TUBERCULOSIS and

PREGNANCY

LOUISE V. CABLING, RN, MAN

 HOW CAN TB AFFECT UNBORN BABY?

• Prematurity
• Low Birth Weight
• There is very small risk for the baby being
born with TB
Anyone diagnosed with 
tuberculosis needs treatment to
keep the TB infection from
becoming a deadly disease, and
pregnant women are no exception
 Treatment:
• Latent TB: INH for 9 mos.
• Active TB: INH, Rifampicin, Ethambutol
(RE- 2 mos; INH and Rifampicin for another 7 mos.)
Pregnant women who have active tuberculosis
need to be treated right away to prevent serious
complications. Pregnant women who are HIV-
positive and have been diagnosed with TB also
need immediate treatment.
 Tuberculosis Medications to Avoid

• Kanamycin
• Cycloserine
• Ethionamide
• Streptomycin
• Amikacin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Sparfloxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Capreomycin
Can a mother undergoing
treatment for TB breastfeed her
baby?
Can the baby catch
TB from her mother
once he is born?
 Health Teachings
• Eat a well balanced diet and get plenty of fresh air.
• Ensure that the mother will take all her medicines and do not
miss even a single dose of what has been prescribed.
• Advise mother not to miss any antenatal visits and other
doctor’s appointments.
• Report any side effects, such as vision changes, headaches or
increased nausea to your doctor immediately.
• Maintain good personal hygiene . Wash hands regularly and
cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing.
• Advise to dispose soiled tissues in a covered bin.
• Encourage mother that it is important to stay positive .