Worm infections in pregnancy: what to watch for and what to do

Pregnancy changes your body and, in some places, raises the chance of picking up intestinal worms. These infections can cause anemia, fatigue, and poor weight gain for you and your baby. Know the signs, how doctors test, and the safe steps you can take now.

How to spot and test for worms

Common signs are belly pain, diarrhea, nausea, unexplained tiredness, and pale skin from anemia. Pinworms cause perianal itching at night; look for small white threads in stool. Your clinician will usually order a stool ova-and-parasite test or a complete blood count to check for low hemoglobin and high eosinophils. Testing is important — symptoms overlap with normal pregnancy complaints.

Treatment and prevention during pregnancy

Treatment choices depend on the worm type and how far along you are. In many countries, health providers give deworming medicine after the first trimester, because the early period is when the fetus develops most rapidly. Common drugs doctors use include albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, and praziquantel for schistosomiasis. Local guidelines differ, so follow your clinic’s advice.

If someone in your household has pinworms, providers often treat the whole family at once and advise washing bedding, towels, and clothes. Repeat treatment after two weeks may be recommended. If you have severe symptoms, like heavy vomiting, fainting, signs of severe anemia, or fever, get urgent care.

Preventing worms is mostly practical. Wash hands with soap after toilet use and before cooking. Peel or thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits. Cook meat and fish to recommended temperatures. Drink treated or boiled water in areas with poor sanitation. Wear shoes outdoors to avoid soil-transmitted helminths. Keep living areas clean and use latrines when available.

During prenatal visits, ask about local deworming policies and whether you need testing. Bring up symptoms you might shrug off — unexplained tiredness, breathlessness, or belly pain. Ask your provider how they balance treatment timing and drug safety for your situation.

Finally, medication safety matters. Don’t take over-the-counter dewormers or start any pill without talking to a clinician who knows your pregnancy history. If you live or travel in places with high worm rates, community programs sometimes offer safe, scheduled deworming during antenatal care — ask your midwife or public health clinic about that option.

Many myths float around — you may hear that all deworming drugs are dangerous in pregnancy or that raw salads are always unsafe. The truth is more nuanced. Early pregnancy is the most cautious time, so most clinicians delay medication until the second or third trimester when needed. If you plan travel to a high-risk area, talk to your clinician before you go. Ask about preventive measures and whether a pre-travel check or a single-dose dewormer is appropriate. Also check household hygiene: treat pets for parasites and keep children's nappies changed promptly. Small, practical steps often cut risk more than worrying about rare drug side effects.

Got questions? Bring them to your next prenatal visit today.