The health of a pregnant woman and her future child is strongly influenced by various infections. Every woman knows this and tries to guard against infection. But there are diseases that do not show themselves and are not dangerous for adults and even for children. But, getting into the body during pregnancy, these infections can seriously harm the fetus. Therefore, it is very important that the future mother has antibodies to them in the blood. And every doctor, having learned that a woman is planning a pregnancy, will definitely assign an analysis to the torch-complex.
How is this name deciphered?
This abbreviation is composed of the first letters of the Latin names of diseases dangerous for the development of the fetus:
- T - toxoplasmosis ;
- O - from the word "others", means other infections;
- R - from the Latin word for rubella;
- C - cytomegalovirus infection;
- H - herpes.
Other infections of the torch-complex include hepatitis, chlamydosis, listeriosis, chicken pox, gonococcal and HIV infections. But they are rarely considered, as a rule, this list includes only four diseases: rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes and toxoplasmosis. They are the most dangerous for the health of the unborn child.
When and why should I take the analysis for the TORCH complex?
Do it a few months before the planned pregnancy. If the blood test on the torch-complex shows the presence of antibodies to these infections, then there is nothing to worry about. If there are no antibodies, then additional safety measures need to be taken. For example, rubella can be vaccinated, protect from toxoplasmosis by avoiding contact with cats, land and raw meat, as well as thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits. To prevent other infections, you need to take antiviral and immunomodulating medications. In the case when a woman did not do such an analysis before pregnancy, the torch-complex should be handed over as soon as possible. The presence of infection can lead to fetal death or development of malformations. In this case, the abortion is often recommended.
What causes the presence of pregnant TORCH infections:
- they affect the nervous system of the fetus, the organs of vision and the heart;
- lead to abnormalities of development and deformities;
- can cause the death of a child and miscarriage.
The presence of a torch-complex often serves as an indication for abortion due to medical conditions . Especially dangerous is the primary infection of these infections in the early stages.
How does the analysis go?
Blood on the TORCH complex is taken from the veins on an empty stomach. In the evening, fatty foods and alcohol should be excluded from the diet. The analysis determines the presence of immunoglobulins. Sometimes it becomes necessary to assign additional analysis. But it helps a woman to protect herself from infections and endure a healthy child.