Protective orbs surrounding pregnant woman, representing healthy pregnancy and microbiome.

Bacterial Infections During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Author's portrait.
Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at Atopobium vaginae, subchorionic hematomas, and the potential risks for pregnant women."


Pregnancy is a transformative journey, but it also brings heightened vulnerability to infections. While most expectant mothers are aware of common threats like the flu, bacterial infections can sometimes fly under the radar—despite posing significant risks to both mother and child. Understanding these risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

One area of increasing concern is the role of specific bacteria like Atopobium vaginae and their association with complications such as subchorionic hematomas. These hematomas, which are collections of blood between the uterine lining and the gestational sac, can sometimes become infected, leading to more severe health issues. Although infections of this nature are rare, understanding their potential impact is essential for proactive care.

This article explores a recent case study that sheds light on the complexities of bacterial infections during pregnancy, focusing on the identification, treatment, and outcomes associated with Atopobium vaginae and subchorionic hematomas. By diving into the details of this case, we aim to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge for expectant mothers and healthcare providers alike.

Understanding the Risks: Atopobium Vaginae and Subchorionic Hematomas

Protective orbs surrounding pregnant woman, representing healthy pregnancy and microbiome.

A subchorionic hematoma occurs when blood accumulates between the gestational sac and the uterine wall early in pregnancy. While many of these hematomas resolve on their own, some can lead to complications, especially if they become infected. Infections can arise from various sources, including bacteria commonly found in the vaginal flora.

Atopobium vaginae is an anaerobic bacterium that normally resides in the vagina. However, it's increasingly recognized for its role in bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance of the vaginal flora that can cause discomfort and, more seriously, increase the risk of preterm labor and other pregnancy complications. In rare cases, Atopobium vaginae can cause bacteremia, a bloodstream infection, posing a direct threat to maternal and fetal health.

Here are key points to consider about Atopobium vaginae and subchorionic hematomas:
  • Subchorionic hematomas can create an environment conducive to bacterial infections.
  • Atopobium vaginae, though normally present, can become problematic when it overgrows or spreads.
  • Untreated infections can lead to sepsis, preterm birth, or miscarriage.
A recent case study illustrates the potential complexities and challenges in diagnosing and managing these conditions. In this case, a 38-year-old pregnant woman with a history of HIV presented with vaginal bleeding and was found to have a subchorionic hematoma. Further complicating the situation, she developed a bloodstream infection involving both Atopobium vaginae and another bacterium, Dialister micraerophilus.

Protecting Your Pregnancy: Prevention and Early Intervention

While the case study highlights a rare and complex situation, it underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive care during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can take several steps to minimize their risk of bacterial infections and promote a healthy pregnancy:

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is *Atopobium vaginae*, and why should pregnant women be aware of it?

*Atopobium vaginae* is an anaerobic bacterium naturally found in the vagina. It's important for pregnant women to be aware of it because it can contribute to bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance in the vaginal flora. In some cases, *Atopobium vaginae* can also cause bacteremia, a bloodstream infection. These conditions can increase the risk of preterm labor, sepsis, miscarriage, and other complications, making awareness and appropriate management crucial for maternal and fetal health.

2

What are subchorionic hematomas, and how are they related to bacterial infections during pregnancy?

Subchorionic hematomas are collections of blood between the uterine lining and the gestational sac early in pregnancy. While many resolve on their own, they can create an environment conducive to bacterial infections. Specifically, bacteria like *Atopobium vaginae* can infect these hematomas, leading to more severe complications. Untreated infections in subchorionic hematomas can escalate to sepsis or preterm birth, underscoring the need for careful monitoring and potential intervention.

3

Can you describe a specific instance where *Atopobium vaginae* played a significant role in a pregnancy complication?

A case study highlighted a 38-year-old pregnant woman with a history of HIV who presented with vaginal bleeding and was found to have a subchorionic hematoma. Further complicating her condition, she developed a bloodstream infection involving both *Atopobium vaginae* and *Dialister micraerophilus*. This case illustrates the complexities and challenges in diagnosing and managing such conditions, particularly the potential for *Atopobium vaginae* to contribute to severe maternal and fetal health risks.

4

What proactive steps can expectant mothers take to minimize the risk of bacterial infections like those caused by *Atopobium vaginae*?

Expectant mothers can take several proactive steps to minimize the risk of bacterial infections. These include maintaining good hygiene, attending all prenatal appointments for thorough check-ups, and promptly reporting any unusual symptoms like vaginal bleeding or discomfort to their healthcare provider. Early detection and intervention are critical in managing conditions related to *Atopobium vaginae* and preventing complications such as preterm birth or sepsis. While not explicitly mentioned, maintaining a balanced vaginal flora through diet and avoiding douching might also be beneficial.

5

What are the potential long-term implications for both the mother and child if a bacterial infection involving *Atopobium vaginae* and a subchorionic hematoma is not promptly and effectively treated during pregnancy?

If a bacterial infection involving *Atopobium vaginae* and a subchorionic hematoma is not promptly and effectively treated, the long-term implications for both the mother and child can be severe. For the mother, there is a risk of sepsis, which can lead to organ damage or even death. For the child, the infection can increase the risk of preterm birth, which is associated with numerous developmental and health complications. In severe cases, untreated infections can result in miscarriage. The infection may also cause long term inflammation in the mother's reproductive system, potentially affecting future pregnancies. The case study underscores the importance of vigilance and rapid response to prevent such adverse outcomes.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.