Amongst the important causes contributing to adverse perinatal outcomes, about 60% occur in low-birth weight infants (preterm and intrauterine growth restriction), this is followed by birth asphyxia and infections.

Infections may occur during pregnancy and affect the pregnancy adversely leading to abortion, intrauterine fetal death, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and occasionally perinatal death.

Maternal infections (rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis) in the first trimester are recognized causes of congenital fetal anomalies.

Maternal infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV infection and syphilis, are known to be transmitted as vertical transmission from mother to fetus. Lastly, maternal infections may be acquired by the fetus following an ascending infection from the vagina causing chorioamnionitis and premature rupture of the membranes. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or beta-streptococcal infection, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and bacterial vaginosis have been implicated. Infected vaginal secretions (gonococcal/Chlamydia trachomatis/bacterial vaginosis/herpes simplex virus) and vaginal candidiasis are amongst some common infections that can also affect the fetus during its passage through the birth canal. Systemic maternal infections have been known to adversely affect fetal wellbeing.

Hence, it is important for the obstetrician to control infections promptly to minimize perinatal morbidity and mortality.

The present monogram provides ready reference to guide the clinician in adopting current methods of investigation and treatment.

My congratulations to Professor Madhuri Chandra and all the contributors for undertaking the task of presenting this concise reference monogram that will be of guidance to our FOGSI colleagues.

I wish the handbook wide circulation and an enthusiastic response.

In our day-to-day practice, we frequently encounter pregnant women with fever and/or rash, suggesting an infective etiology. This invariably makes us rush to consult our physician colleagues and medicine textbooks.

Therefore, we have come out with Clinical Approach to Infections in Pregnancy. This book aims to provide clear evidence-based guidelines on management of commonly encountered infections in the pregnant women. It should serve as a ready reckoner, which can help quick decision making in common situations, and as a guide to what should be done when things do not go well.

We hope that the readers will find this book useful for their clinical practice and enjoy the reading experience as much as we enjoyed writing and editing the book.

We acknowledge the patience and tolerance shown by our family members, and thank them for letting us use their ‘Family Time’ for our academic pursuits.

We would like to thank our patients, who form our clinical textbooks, each unique in symptomatology and clinical response to treatment. Without them, our knowledge would have been theoretical, and their faith in us has been the strongest motivation to excel in this subject of maternal health.

We thank our publishers, M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi, India. It has been a new and novel experience getting this book together with them.