Exposure to group B Streptococcal antibiotic prophylaxis and early childhood body mass index in a vaginal birth cohort.

Purpose: Perinatal antibiotic exposure may be associated with changes in both early infancy gut microbiota and later childhood obesity. Our objective was to evaluate if group B Streptococcus (GBS) antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) in early childhood.Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of mother/child dyads in a single hospital system over a 6-year period. All women with term, singleton, vertex, vaginal deliveries who received no antibiotics or received antibiotics only for GBS prophylaxis and whose children had BMIs available at 2-5 years of age were included. Children were divided into three groups for comparison: children born to GBS positive mothers that received antibiotics solely for GBS prophylaxis, children born to GBS negative women that received no antibiotics (healthy controls), and children born to GBS positive mothers who received no antibiotics. The primary outcome was the earliest available child BMI Z-score at 2-5 years of age. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate differences in child BMI Z-scores between groups, adjusted for maternal BMI, age, race, parity, tobacco use, and child birthweight.Results: Of 4825 women, 786 (16.3%) were GBS positive and received prophylactic antibiotics, 3916 (81.2%) were GBS negative and received no antibiotics, and 123 (2.5%) were GBS positive but received no antibiotics. Childhood BMI Z-scores were similar between children exposed to intrapartum GBS prophylaxis and healthy controls who were unexposed in both unadjusted (mean (SE), 0.04 (0.04) versus -0.3 (0.02), p = .11) and adjusted (0.01 (0.05) versus -0.04 (0.03), p = .3) models.Conclusions: Exposure to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for GBS was not associated with higher early childhood BMI Z-scores compared to healthy controls.

Variation in primary cesarean delivery rates by individual physician within a single-hospital laborist model.

BACKGROUND: Laborist practice models are associated with lower rates of cesarean delivery than individual private practice models in several studies; however, this effect is not uniform. Further exploration of laborist models may help us better understand the observed decrease in rates of cesarean delivery in some hospitals that implement a laborist model. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the degree of variation in rates of primary cesarean delivery by individual laborists within a single institution that uses a laborist model. In addition, we sought to evaluate whether differences in rates of cesarean delivery resulted in different maternal or short-term neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: At this teaching institution, one laborist (either a generalist or maternal-fetal medicine attending physician) is directly responsible for labor and delivery management during each shift. No patients are followed in a private practice model nor are physicians incentivized to perform deliveries. We retrospectively identified all laborists who delivered nulliparous, term women with cephalic singletons at this institution from 2007 to 2014. Overall and individual primary cesarean delivery rates were reported as percentages with exact Pearson 95% confidence intervals. Laborists were grouped by tertile as having low, medium, or high rates of cesarean delivery. Characteristics of the women delivered, indications for cesarean delivery, and short-term neonatal outcomes were compared between these groups. A binomial regression model of cesarean delivery was estimated, where the relative rates of each laborist compared with the lowest-unadjusted laborist rate were calculated; a second model was estimated to adjust for patient-level maternal characteristics. RESULTS: Twenty laborists delivered 2224 nulliparous, term women with cephalic singletons. The overall cesarean delivery rate was 24.1% (95% confidence interval 21.4-26.8). In an unadjusted binomial model, the overall effect of individual laborist was significant (P < .001), and a 2.9-fold (1.5-5.4, P = .001) variation between the cesarean delivery rates of the greatest (35.9%) and lowest (12.5%) physicians was observed. When adjusted for hypertensive disease, gestational age at delivery, race, and maternal age, the physician effect remained overall significant (P = .0265) with the difference between physicians expanding to 3.58 (1.72-7.47, P <. 001). Between groups of laborists with low, medium, and high rates of cesarean delivery, patient demographics and clinical characteristics of the population managed were clinically similar and not different statistically. The primary indication for cesarean delivery did not differ between groups. Similarly there were no differences in short-term neonatal outcomes, including Apgar scores, arterial cord blood pH, or the incidence of neonatal encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: The 3-fold variation in cesarean delivery rates between laborists at the same institution without observed differences in patient characteristics or short-term neonatal outcomes draws attention to the impact of individual physician decision-making on cesarean delivery rates even within a laborist care model. Further exploration of the role of individual physician decision-making on cesarean rates may help to better elucidate the effect of the laborist model.

Does 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate prevent recurrent preterm birth in obese women?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if maternal weight or body mass index (BMI) modifies the effectiveness of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a secondary analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Trial for the Prevention of Recurrent Preterm Delivery by 17-Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate. Binomial regression models were estimated to determine the relative risk (RR) of preterm birth (PTB) in women randomized to 17OHP-C vs placebo according to BMI category and maternal weight. Adjusted models considered inclusion of potential confounders. RESULTS: In all, 443 women with complete data were included. 17OHP-C is effective in preventing PTB <37 weeks only in women with prepregnancy BMI <30 kg/m(2) (RR, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.68). Above this BMI threshold there is a nonsignificant trend toward an increased risk of PTB (RR, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-2.89) with 17OHP-C treatment. When analyzing by maternal weight, a similar threshold is observed at 165 lb, above which 17OHP-C is no longer effective. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of 17OHP-C is modified by maternal weight and BMI, and treatment does not appear to reduce the rate of PTB in women who are obese or have a weight >165 lb. This finding may be due to subtherapeutic serum levels in women with increased BMI or weight. Studies of adjusted-dose 17OHP-C in women who are obese or who weigh >165 lb are warranted, and current recommendations regarding the uniform use of 17OHP-C regardless of maternal BMI and weight may deserve reassessment.

The impact of tobacco use on preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if tobacco use increases the incidence of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM) or alters perinatal outcomes after pPROM. STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of the databases of three completed Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development-supported Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network studies. Self-reported tobacco exposure data was obtained. Its relationship with the incidence of pPROM and associated neonatal outcome measures were assessed. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of pPROM when comparing nonsmokers to those using tobacco. Although a trend was seen between the incidence of pPROM and the amount smoked, this did not reach statistical significance. Among the patients with pPROM, the use of tobacco was not associated with an increase in perinatal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Our data do not support a significant relationship between tobacco use and pPROM.

The effect of body mass index on therapeutic response to bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.

Our objective was to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI) on response to bacterial vaginosis (BV) treatment. A secondary analysis was conducted of two multicenter trials of therapy for BV and TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS. Gravida were screened for BV between 8 and 22 weeks and randomized between 16 and 23 weeks to metronidazole or placebo. Of 1497 gravida with asymptomatic BV and preconceptional BMI, 738 were randomized to metronidazole; BMI was divided into categories: < 25, 25 to 29.9, and > or = 30. Rates of BV persistence at follow-up were compared using the Mantel-Haenszel chi square. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of BMI on BV persistence at follow-up, adjusting for potential confounders. No association was identified between BMI and BV rate at follow-up ( P = 0.21). BMI was associated with maternal age, smoking, marital status, and black race. Compared with women with BMI of < 25, adjusted odds ratio (OR) of BV at follow-up were BMI 25 to 29.9: OR, 0.66, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.02; BMI > or = 30: OR, 0.83, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.26. We concluded that the persistence of BV after treatment was not related to BMI.

Midpregnancy genitourinary tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis: association with subsequent preterm delivery in women with bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to estimate whether midpregnancy genitourinary tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is associated with an increased risk of subsequent preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Infection with C. trachomatis was determined using a ligase chain reaction assay (performed in batch after delivery) of voided urine samples collected at the randomization visit (16(0/7) to 23(6/7) weeks' gestation) and the follow-up visit (24(0/7) to 29(6/7) weeks) among 2470 gravide women with bacterial vaginosis or Trichomonas vaginalis infection enrolled in 2 multicenter randomized antibiotic treatment trials (metronidazole versus. placebo). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of genitourinary tract C. trachomatis infection at both visits was 10%. Preterm delivery less than 37 weeks' or less than 35 weeks' gestational age was not associated with the presence or absence of C. trachomatis infection at either the randomization (less than 37 weeks: 14% versus 13%, P=.58; less than 35 weeks: 6.4% versus 5.5%, P=.55) or the follow-up visit (less than 37 weeks: 13% versus 11%, P=.33; less than 35 weeks: 4.4% versus 3.7, P=.62). Treatment with an antibiotic effective against chlamydia infection was not associated with a statistically significant difference in preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: In this secondary analysis, midtrimester chlamydia infection was not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Treatment of chlamydia was not associated with a decreased frequency of preterm birth.

Is a change in the vaginal flora associated with an increased risk of preterm birth?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if a change in the vaginal flora was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, and to determine if metronidazole therapy before 32 weeks increased the risk of preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: We compared cultures taken at 23 to 26 weeks of gestation with cultures taken at delivery from women enrolled in the Vaginal Infections and Preterm Birth study to analyze the association of changes in the vaginal flora with preterm birth. RESULTS: Metronidazole therapy before 32 weeks was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.05-2.1) in an unadjusted model. A change to heavy growth of Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae at delivery was found to be associated with preterm birth (OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.6-3.8). After controlling for race, parity, prepregnancy weight <100 pounds, smoking or drinking during pregnancy, Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, mycoplasmas, group B streptococcus, metronidazole therapy before 32 weeks, vaginal pH >5.0, and an increase in E coli or K pneumoniae , only prepregnancy weight <100 pounds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.07, 95%CI 1.01-4.21) and increased E coli or K pneumoniae in the vagina at delivery (AOR 2.99, 95%CI 1.37-6.53) were found to be significantly associated with preterm birth. CONCLUSION: An increase in E coli or K pneumoniae in the vagina is an independent risk factor for preterm birth. Changes in the vaginal flora may explain the increased risk of preterm birth seen with vaginal clindamycin or oral metronidazole therapy.

Spontaneous resolution of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to estimate the rate of spontaneous resolution of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnancy and to evaluate factors associated with its resolution. METHODS: A cohort of women enrolled in a large multicenter randomized bacterial vaginosis antibiotic trial (metronidazole versus placebo) that, when randomly allocated, had asymptomatic C trachomatis diagnosed by urine ligase chain reaction (from frozen archival specimens) between 16(0/7) and 23(6/7) weeks were included. The urine ligase chain reaction is a highly accurate predictor of genital tract chlamydial infection. A follow-up ligase chain reaction was performed between 24(0/7) and 29(6/7) weeks. RESULTS: A total of 1,953 women were enrolled in the original antibiotic trial; 1,547 (79%) had ligase chain reaction performed both at randomization and follow-up. Women receiving antibiotics effective against Chlamydia between randomization and follow-up or having symptomatic Chlamydia infection were excluded (26 women). Of the 140 women (9%) who were diagnosed as positive via the initial ligase chain reaction assay, 61 (44%) had spontaneous resolution of Chlamydia by the follow-up ligase chain reaction assay. Factors associated with spontaneous resolution included older age (P = .02), more than 5 weeks from randomization to follow-up (P = .02), and a greater number of lifetime sexual partners (P = .02). Using a logistic regression model, maternal age and a greater-than-5-week follow-up interval remained significant; for every 5-year increase in maternal age, the odds of a positive result on the ligase chain reaction test at follow-up decreased by 40% (odds ratio 0.6; 95% confidence interval 0.4-0.9). Race, substance abuse, parity, and treatment with metronidazole were not associated with spontaneous resolution. Gram stain score and vaginal pH at randomization and follow-up also were not associated. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of asymptomatic C trachomatis in pregnancy was 9%; infection resolved spontaneously in almost half of these women. The association of older age and increasing time interval to spontaneous resolution of Chlamydia is consistent with a host immune-response mechanism.

Is bacterial vaginosis a stronger risk factor for preterm birth when it is diagnosed earlier in gestation?

OBJECTIVE: It is stated commonly that the earlier in pregnancy bacterial vaginosis is diagnosed, the greater is the increase in risk of preterm birth compared with women without bacterial vaginosis. However, this contention is based on small numbers of women. STUDY DESIGN: In this analysis of 12,937 women who were screened for bacterial vaginosis as part of a previously conducted clinical trial, the odds ratio of preterm birth (<7 weeks of gestation) for asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis-positive versus bacterial vaginosis-negative women was evaluated among women who were screened from 8 to 22 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: The odds ratio of preterm birth among bacterial vaginosis-positive versus bacterial vaginosis-negative women ranged from 1.1 to 1.6 and did not vary significantly according to the gestational age at which bacterial vaginosis was screened. The odds ratio for preterm birth did not vary significantly by gestational age at diagnosis when bacterial vaginosis was subdivided into Gram stain score 7 to 8 or 9 to 10. CONCLUSION: Although bacterial vaginosis was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, the gestational age at which bacterial vaginosis was screened for and diagnosed did not influence the increase.

Time course of the regression of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy with and without treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of treatment over time for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy and the probability of spontaneous resolution with placebo. STUDY DESIGN: Women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis on Gram stain were assigned randomly at 16 to 23 weeks of gestation to receive two 2-g doses of metronidazole or placebo 48 hours apart and were re-evaluated for changes in Gram stain score on one occasion > or =2 weeks later. RESULTS: Of 658 women who underwent metronidazole therapy, treatment was successful (score, <7) in 78% of those women who were seen at 2 to 3.9 weeks of gestation, which was similar to women seen > or =10 weeks after treatment. In 683 women who underwent placebo therapy, spontaneous resolution increased significantly from 13% at 2 to 3.9 weeks of gestation to 36% at > or =10 weeks of gestation. Spontaneous resolution was more common with lower vaginal pH or lactobacilli on Gram stain at the time of random assignment. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of metronidazole therapy of bacterial vaginosis persists for > or =10 weeks. Women who underwent placebo therapy had significant remission of bacterial vaginosis over > or =10 weeks. Remission was more common when the initial vaginal microbiologic disturbances were less severe.

What have we learned about vaginal infections and preterm birth?

Asymptomatic maternal genital tract infection during pregnancy, particularly bacterial vaginosis, has been consistently associated with preterm birth. In response to this evidence, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network (MFMU) designed and conducted 2 large randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of metronidazole treatment of asymptomatic pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis in a general obstetrical population. These studies showed that treatment of women with bacterial vaginosis failed to prevent preterm birth, regardless of their history of prior preterm birth. Metronidazole treatment of women with trichomoniasis significantly increased the risk of preterm birth compared to placebo. These results formed the basis of the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation that screening for bacterial vaginosis not be undertaken in low-risk pregnant women, and show that MFMU network studies can have a direct and immediate impact on obstetrical practice.

Nuchal cord encirclements and birth weight.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the presence of a single or multiple nuchal cord encirclement has a negative effect on fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN: Data were retrieved from consecutive deliveries at our institution between January 1991 and December 1996. Our computerized database included live-born single and multiple births with a birth weight of > or = 300 g. ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among the 13,256 deliveries, a single nuchal cord encirclement was observed in 3,250 (24.5%), and multiple encirclements were present in 504 (3.8%). There was no association between the diagnosis of growth restriction and the presence of a cord encirclement. The mean birth weight was no different in the presence of a single or multiple nuchal cord encirclement than with no encirclement (3,206 g or 3.135 g vs. 3,252 g; F = .08, P = .7). After controlling for substance abuse, medical or obstetric complications, race, infant sex, congenital anomalies and gestational age, there was no effect of a single or multiple cord encirclement on mean birth weight. CONCLUSION: Birth weight is unaffected by a single or multiple nuchal cord encirclement.

Congenital syphilis in the 21st century.

The rate of congenital syphilis is declining in the United States, but congenital syphilis is still a significant public health problem. Maternal serum screening is the mainstay of diagnosis. Maternal treatment will prevent most, but not all, cases of congenital syphilis. Access to prenatal care is critical to further reduce the rate of congenital syphilis.

Early pregnancy threshold vaginal pH and Gram stain scores predictive of subsequent preterm birth in asymptomatic women.

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to identify early pregnancy vaginal markers predictive of subsequent preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: In a multicenter Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Trial, 21,554 women were screened with a vaginal pH and of these, two populations were studied. These included 12,041 who had a pregnancy outcome in the database and 6838 women who had a vaginal pH of 4.5 or greater and a Gram stain score and a pregnancy outcome in the database. ColorpHast Indicator Strips were used to determine the vaginal pH and the Nugent criteria were used to determine a vaginal Gram stain score of 0 to 10. RESULTS: Delivery at <37, <35, or <32 weeks' gestation was similar for women with a vaginal pH of less than 4.4 or 4.7 (P not significant) but was increased in women with a pH of 5.0 (P =.04,.02,.03, respectively) or with a pH of 5.0 or greater (at each gestational age P <.0001). The effect of pH of 5.0 or greater was similar for women who had a spontaneous preterm birth at each gestational age (P <.0001) or birth weight of less than 2500 g or less than 1500 g (P <.0005). Women with a vaginal pH of 4.5 or greater and a Gram stain score of 9 to 10 (compared with 0-8) had increased preterm births at <37, <35, and <32 weeks' gestation (P <.01), and birth weights less than 2500 g (P <.0001) or less than 1500 g (P <.01). Women whose vaginal pH was 5.0 or greater had a higher prevalence of vaginal fetal fibronectin > or =50 ng/mL (P <.0001), but the proportion of women with a vaginal fetal fibronectin > or =50 mg/mL did not differ by Gram stain score. CONCLUSION: Women with a vaginal pH of 5.0 or greater or a vaginal pH of 4.5 or greater and a Gram stain score of 9 to 10 had significantly increased preterm births at <37, <35, and 32 weeks' gestation and/or a birth weight less than 2500 g or less than 1500 g.

Clinical resistance of recurrent Candida albicans vulvovaginitis to fluconazole in the presence and absence of in vitro resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if failure of recurrent Candida albicans vulvovaginitis to respond clinically to fluconazole is related to in vitro mycologic resistance. STUDY DESIGN: We compared clinical response to fluconazole with culture and sensitivity data in all cases of recurrent C albicans vulvovaginitis referred to our clinic over an 18-month period. RESULTS: Of 52 patients referred to us with recurring vulvovaginitis, 10 were C albicans culture positive. All 10 had previously responded to fluconazole but subsequently failed fluconazole therapy. All were euglycemic and HIV negative. In 3 of the 10 isolates, the mean inhibitory concentration for fluconazole was > 64 micrograms/mL. The history of response to fluconazole in the 7 patients with susceptible isolates was indistinguishable from that of the 3 with resistant isolates. Five of the 10 patients were given multiagent antifungal therapy. Of 4 patients available for long-term follow-up in this group, all had negative fungal cultures. In contrast, 4 evaluable patients who received maintenance azole therapy were C albicans culture positive at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Recurrent C albicans vulvovaginitis can display clinical resistance to fluconazole that correlates with in vitro resistance in only some cases. We postulate that aberrant host response may play a role in the failure to control fungal colonization with a single fungistatic agent.

Sexual intercourse association with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis treatment in relationship to preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether sexual intercourse was associated with the treatment efficacy or the incidence of preterm birth in two large randomized trials in which metronidazole treatment of bacterial vaginosis or Trichomonas vaginalis did not reduce preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary analysis of two multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in which women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis on Gram stain or asymptomatic T vaginalis on culture were randomized at 16 to 23 weeks of gestation to metronidazole or placebo. In both studies, women took 2 g of metronidazole or placebo in the presence of a nurse (first dose) and were given a second dose to take 48 hours later. This regimen was repeated (third and fourth doses) at 24 to 29 weeks. At the time of the third dose, bacterial vaginosis and T vaginalis specimens were collected again. Patients who were randomly selected to receive metronidazole were analyzed for bacterial vaginosis and T vaginalis at 24 to 29 weeks and for preterm birth of <37 weeks of gestation, according to intercourse between first and second doses and between the second and third doses. Continuous variables were compared with the use of the Wilcoxon rank-sum test; categoric variables were compared with the use of the chi(2 ) test, Fisher exact test, or the Mantel-Haenzel test of trend. RESULTS: Sexual intercourse between the first and second doses or between the second and third doses did not influence the incidence of bacterial vaginosis (18% vs 24%; relative risk, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-1.1; and 23% vs 20%; relative risk, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9-1.6, respectively) or T vaginalis (4% vs 8%; relative risk, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.1-3.6; and 5% vs 10%; relative risk, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-1.1; respectively) at 24 to 29 weeks of gestation compared with no intercourse. In the T vaginalis trial, sexual intercourse between the first and second doses or between the second and third doses did not influence the incidence of preterm birth (13% vs 17%; relative risk, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.3-2.1; and 16% vs 17%; relative risk, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.6-1.6; respectively) compared with no intercourse. In the bacterial vaginosis trial, although sexual intercourse between the first and second doses did not influence the incidence of preterm birth (11% vs 12%; relative risk, 0.9; 95 % CI, 0.6-1.5), sexual intercourse between the second and third doses was associated with a reduction in the incidence of preterm birth (10% vs 16%; relative risk, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9) compared with no intercourse. CONCLUSION: Sexual intercourse was associated with neither the efficacy of metronidazole treatment of bacterial vaginosis or T vaginalis nor with the incidence of preterm birth. In the bacterial vaginosis study, intercourse between the second and third doses had a negative association with preterm birth.

Screening and management protocols for group B streptococcus in pregnancy.

Infection with Group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Screening by antepartum cultures or by risk factors and intrapartum antibiotics has been shown to reduce the risk of early onset GBS disease in newborns, but controversy exists about the best approach for screening and treatment. Currently recommended protocols do not prevent all cases of early onset GBS disease. Intrapartum antibiotics are not without harm, and currently recommended protocols will result in large numbers of women being treated who would not have benefited from treatment. In this article, we review the advantages and disadvantages of currently recommended protocols.

TORCH Infections. Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes infections.

Perinatal infections account for 2% to 3% of all congenital anomalies. TORCH, which includes Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes infections, are some of the most common infections associated with congenital anomalies. Most of the TORCH infections cause mild maternal morbidity, but have serious fetal consequences, and treatment of maternal infection frequently has no impact on fetal outcome. Therefore, recognition of maternal disease and fetal monitoring once disease is recognized are important for all clinicians. Knowledge of these diseases will help the clinician appropriately counsel mothers on preventive measures to avoid these infections, and will aid in counseling parents on the potential for adverse fetal outcomes when these infections are present.