Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of hope, not fear. Yet, for many women in India, an unexpected health challenge often shadows this special phase — Tuberculosis (TB).
While TB is a curable disease, it poses unique dangers when it affects expecting mothers. Left undiagnosed or untreated, TB during pregnancy can lead to severe complications for both mother and child — including preterm birth, low birth weight, and even increased risk of neonatal TB.
As India races toward its goal of a TB Mukt Bharat by 2025, addressing TB among pregnant women is crucial — because a mother’s health is the foundation of a healthy generation.
TB in pregnancy: A hidden challenge
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB remains one of the top infectious killers of women of reproductive age worldwide¹. In India, studies suggest that up to 5% of all maternal deaths are linked to TB².
What makes it especially concerning is that TB symptoms — such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and mild fever — are often mistaken for normal pregnancy discomforts. As a result, many women are diagnosed late, when the disease has already advanced — putting both mother and baby at serious risk.
According to the India TB Report 2024, a significant number of TB cases among women aged 20–35 is detected during or soon after pregnancy, highlighting a major diagnostic gap³. The lack of awareness, stigma, and fear of harming the baby often prevent expecting mothers from seeking timely care.
How TB affects pregnancy and the baby
TB during pregnancy can cause a range of complications if not treated early. Here’s how it affects both mother and child:
- Increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth
- Preterm delivery and low birth weight
- Higher risk of maternal anaemia and malnutrition
- Greater chance of transmitting TB to the newborn (though rare)
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), maternal TB increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes by up to 60% if left untreated⁴.
But here’s the good news — TB can be treated safely during pregnancy with medicines recommended by the government’s National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Diagnosis: Early detection saves two lives
The biggest challenge is early detection. Because TB symptoms resemble pregnancy fatigue, doctors often need to maintain a high index of suspicion — especially if the mother has persistent cough, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) recommends TB screening for all pregnant women showing respiratory symptoms⁵. Modern diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert testing and chest X-rays with abdominal shielding are considered safe and accurate during pregnancy⁶.
Early detection not only ensures the mother’s health but also protects the baby from potential infection and malnutrition.
Breastfeeding and TB: Clearing the doubts
Many mothers worry whether they can breastfeed if they have TB. The answer is — Yes, absolutely!
As long as the mother is on proper treatment and not severely ill, breastfeeding is safe and strongly encouraged.
The WHO and MoHFW both affirm that the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any risk⁹.
Mothers should wear a mask while feeding and continue their medication regularly.
Nutrition: The unsung hero
Nutrition plays a central role in both recovery from TB and a healthy pregnancy.
Expecting mothers with TB need a balanced diet rich in:
- Protein (milk, lentils, eggs, fish)
- Iron (green leafy vegetables, jaggery, beans)
- Vitamin C (oranges, guava)
- Calcium (milk, ragi, sesame seeds)
The NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey) found that 53% of Indian women aged 15–49 is anaemic, which can worsen TB outcomes¹⁰. Hence, TB management must go hand in hand with nutritional counselling and supplementation.
Breaking myths: TB in pregnancy is curable
Even today, myths persist that TB treatment should be delayed until after childbirth — a dangerous misconception. In reality, delaying treatment increases the risk to both mother and baby.
TB medicines prescribed under the NTEP are safe, and early treatment ensures that mothers can have healthy pregnancies and TB-free babies. Postpartum screening for TB in both mother and newborn is also crucial to ensure full recovery.
Quick Facts: TB & Pregnancy
| TB affects 1 in every 100 pregnant women in India² | |
| Maternal TB increases adverse birth outcomes by 60%⁴ | |
| TB treatment is safe and effective during pregnancy⁷ | |
| Breastfeeding is encouraged with proper precautions⁹ | |
| Nutrition and early diagnosis save two lives at once |
A healthy mother, A TB-free future
Every time we protect a pregnant woman from TB, we protect an entire generation.
India’s “Nikshay” digital platform, community awareness drives, and maternal health integration under the NTEP are helping bridge the gap between prevention and care.
But awareness at the grassroots remains key. Families, Anganwadi workers, and healthcare providers must work together to ensure no expecting mother is left undiagnosed or untreated.
TB is curable, preventable, and beatable — even in pregnancy. Because every mother deserves to bring life into the world with health, strength, and hope.
Let’s protect our mothers — and India’s future — from TB.
Key Takeaways
- TB during pregnancy is curable and manageable with early diagnosis.
- Standard TB treatment is safe for both mother and baby.
- Screening and nutrition are essential during antenatal care.
- Breastfeeding is encouraged under proper treatment.
- Awareness and compassion are the strongest medicines.
This is an educational initiative supported by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Private Limited (a Viatris company).
TB in pregnancy
Pregnancy and TB
Maternal TB
Tuberculosis awareness
Pregnancy complications
TB treatment
Antenatal care
GeneXpert testing
Nutrition in pregnancy
Breastfeeding safety
TB Mukt Bharat 2025
Public health India
Newborn health
NTEP India
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO). Global Tuberculosis Report 2023. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240078467
- Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. Maternal TB and Pregnancy Outcomes in India. https://www.elsevier.com/en-xm/journals/indian-journal-of-tuberculosis
- Central TB Division, MoHFW. India TB Report 2024. https://tbcindia.mohfw.gov.in/
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Maternal TB and Public Health Implications. https://main.icmr.nic.in/
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Guidelines for TB Screening in Antenatal Clinics. https://tbcindia.gov.in/
- WHO. Safe TB Diagnosis During Pregnancy. https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme
- National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). Treatment Protocol for Pregnant Women with TB. https://tbcindia.mohfw.gov.in/
- MoHFW. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana – Nutritional Support for TB Patients. https://tbcindia.gov.in/
- WHO & UNICEF. Breastfeeding and TB Guidelines. https://www.unicef.org/
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Key Findings on Women’s Health and Nutrition. http://rchiips.org/nfhs/factsheet_NFHS-5.shtml