TB in Children

If you have TB during pregnancy and you do not find out and treat it early, there is a higher risk of having a miscarriage, your baby being born prematurely, your baby being born with low birth weight and your baby being born with TB.

TB can be safely treated and cured when you are pregnant. Early treatment is best for you and your baby as TB treatment helps to kill the TB germ in your body. Do not stop taking your treatments, even if you feel better. You need to take all doses of your medication for a minimum period of six months, or until the nurse or doctor tells you to stop. If you have any side effects from the treatment, you must tell the nurse or doctor.

If you think you might be pregnant, visit your nearest clinic for a pregnancy test as soon as possible. If you are pregnant book for antenatal care (ANC) at the nearest clinic as soon as you confirm your pregnancy. When you book at the ANC clinic you will be tested for both HIV and TB. It is important that you book early so that any disease is picked up and you can get treatment so both you and your baby are protected. Visit your clinic regularly for check-ups as advised by your nurse or doctor.

For children under five years of age, if you see these symptoms, have them tested for TB immediately: sudden loss of appetite or interest in breast-feeding, rapid weight loss, fevers for two weeks or more, loss of consciousness, drowsiness and/or excessive sleepiness.