Mothertochild

Mothertochild, commonly written as "mother-to-child transmission" (MTCT), refers to the passage of an infectious agent from a mother to her fetus or newborn during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. MTCT can occur at three main stages: in utero (transplacental), intrapartum during labor and delivery, and postnatal through breast milk.

The risk and mechanisms of MTCT vary by pathogen and by maternal health, access to care, and timing of interventions. Pathogens transmitted in this way include viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, Zika, cytomegalovirus, and rubella; bacteria such as Treponema pallidum (syphilis) and group B Streptococcus; and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii. MTCT is a major route of pediatric infection for several diseases, and reducing MTCT is a central goal of maternal and child health programs.

Prevention and management involve a combination of prenatal screening, treatment, and postnatal measures. For HIV, antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and neonatal prophylaxis substantially reduce transmission risk. HBV transmission is mitigated by newborn vaccination and, in some cases, hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Syphilis and GBS are addressed with maternal treatment or intrapartum antibiotics, respectively. Vaccination where available (e.g., rubella, hepatitis B) also helps prevent MTCT. For infections without widely available vaccines, prevention focuses on avoiding exposure and managing maternal infections during pregnancy. Breastfeeding guidance depends on the specific pathogen and local resources, balancing infant protection with maternal health.

Global health efforts continue to reduce MTCT through routine screening, access to antiviral and antimicrobial therapies, vaccination, and education, while addressing disparities in care and outcomes. See also vertical transmission and congenital infection.