My Pregnancy

The acronym TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other (such as syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus.

Prenatal Screening for TORCH Infections

All women go through blood test at booking to detect antibodies to specific TORCH pathogens. These tests can help determine if the mother has been exposed to any of these infections.

Detection

Early detection and timely interventions and treatments to prevent or reduce the severity of complications in the fetus.

Knowledge of a TORCH infection in the mother allows necessary precautions during delivery to prevent transmission of the infection to the newborn.

Blood tests

If a mother tests positive for a TORCH infection, healthcare providers will closely monitor the pregnancy through more frequent ultrasounds and other tests to assess the health of the fetus.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging can be used to monitor the growth and development of the fetus and detect any abnormalities that may be associated with TORCH infections.

 Amniocentesis

In some cases, amniocentesis may be performed to test the amniotic fluid for the presence of TORCH pathogens or their DNA.

Treatment 

Depending on the specific infection, treatment options may include antiviral medications, antibiotics, or other interventions to reduce the risk of complications in the fetus.

Delivery

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend delivery by cesarean section to reduce the risk of transmission of the infection during childbirth.

Counseling 

Counseling and support services may be offered to the parents to help them understand the implications of the infection and make informed decisions about their pregnancy and the care of their child.