For Patients/Families

Tuberculosis
A serious, bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are 1.3 million cases and 450,000 deaths a year from TB in the U.S. Worldwide, it is a major cause of death and disability. Tuberculosis is uncommon during pregnancy, occurring in about 1/10,000 pregnant women. It is more common in certain high risk groups such as those who are HIV-positive, foreign born persons from countries with a high prevalence, IV drug users, alcoholics, those living with someone who has tuberculosis, etc. There is a skin test that will identify those infected. It is not recommended for all women, but only those at high risk.

Tuberculosis can cause problems in the fetus such as low birthweight, however, pregnant women may also have a slightly higher risk of complications from therapy.