Can MRSA affect my unborn baby?

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a type of bacteria.

About 1 in 3 of us carries the bacteria on the surface of our skin or in our nose without developing an infection - this is known as being 'colonized' by the bacteria. However, if SA bacteria get into the body through a break in the skin they can cause infection. SA is a very common cause of boils, impetigo and abscesses.

MRSA are SA bacteria that have become resistant to some of the antibiotics that are commonly used to treat infection, including methicillin (a type of penicillin originally created to treat SA infections).

MRSA does not normally harm healthy people, including pregnant women, children and babies.

MRSA and pregnancy

When a pregnant woman is a carrier of MRSA bacteria without an infection, there is no risk to her unborn baby at all.

If a pregnant woman becomes infected with MRSA, as with all infections, there is a very small chance that it could pass to the unborn baby. However, this is extremely rare.

MRSA and childbirth

If a pregnant woman has an MRSA infection, there is a small chance that the infection could be passed to the baby during childbirth (if it is a vaginal birth). Particularly if the MRSA infection is in her perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus).

MRSA and your newborn

If the infection is passed to a newborn baby, the infection can be treated in hospital in a special care unit (see ' further information').

Although it's uncommon for a mother to pass MRSA to her unborn or newborn baby, it is advised that all pregnant women or new mothers avoid visiting anyone who has an MRSA infection.

If you are pregnant and have any concerns relating to MRSA, speak with your doctor.