MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is an infection caused by a bacterium. It is a more severe type of staph infection that can be problematic as it is resistant to most antibiotics that effectively treat staph infections. It is best to prevent contracting MRSA during pregnancy. Once it is contracted, it can lead to poor health outcomes.
There are different types and they are named for how they are contracted:
- HA-MRSA, or healthcare-associated MRSA, is acquired usually in a hospital setting, typically from surgical tools or prosthetics, such as artificial knee and hip joints. This type is of great concern because it can lead to an infection in the bloodstream and pneumonia.
- CA-MRSA is community-associated MRSA, which is contracted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s lesion or boil.
Signs and Symptoms of MRSA
MRSA presents like other staph infections, including small red bumps that can resemble bug bites or pimples.
These wounds may also become more inflamed and feel warm. Minor cuts and scrapes can also get infected with bacteria and turn into staph, so it is important to monitor all wounds closely.
The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is found naturally on the skin of most people in healthy amounts. The bacteria become a problem when they enter the body through a cut or wound.
Sometimes, this turns into a mild skin irritation, but for people who carry MRSA, it can be more problematic.
MRSA can enter and affect the following:
- Bloodstream
- Lungs
- Heart
- Bones
- Joints
How to Prevent MRSA Naturally while pregnant
For HA-MRSA, it is important for health care workers and anyone in contact with hospital patients to practice consistent hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves, washing your hands frequently, and disinfecting surfaces.
This can reduce the likelihood that MRSA will infect susceptible patients.
For CA-MRSA, there are basic techniques that can reduce the likelihood of contracting MRSA.
These include:
- Washing your hands
- Keeping wounds covered
- Refraining from sharing personal items such as towels and razors
- Showering after athletic games or practices
- Sanitizing linens
The good news is that your baby is not susceptible to MRSA during your pregnancy, but early identification should be made, as it could spread to your baby during labor and delivery.
How to Treat MRSA Naturally during Pregnancy
MRSA cannot and should not be treated naturally during pregnancy.
How to Treat MRSA during Pregnancy when Naturally is not an option
Early identification and monitoring of wounds can aid in the treatment of MRSA, and make sure to discuss the concerning areas with your doctor or dermatologist as you discover them.
Your doctor or dermatologist will likely take a tissue sample to test for MRSA if the wound presents a cause for concern.
Treatment Options Include:
- Antibiotics – Though MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, there are some antibiotics that might be successful in treating the infection. Doctors will decide what antibiotics to prescribe based on your symptoms and the seriousness of the infection.
- Draining the wound – Antibiotics may not be needed to treat MRSA. Your doctor might suggest draining the wound to see if that alleviates the problem.
Want to Know More?
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Center for Disease Control, MRSA
2. Mayo Clinic, MRSA
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mrsa/basics/definition/con-20024479
MSRA.com
Center for Disease Control, MRSA
