TORCH INFECTIONS AND SCREENING IN PREGNANCY: RISK STRATIFICATION, DIAGNOSTIC TIMING AND PREVENTION-ORIENTED COUNSELING

TORCH infections can harm pregnancy outcomes through miscarriage, fetal growth restriction,congenital anomalies and neonatal disease. Objective: This article reviews TORCH screening as arisk-stratified clinical process rather than a single laboratory package. Methods: Internationalpublic-health sources and antenatal-care recommendations were synthesized. Results: CongenitalCMV remains common, sexually transmitted infections contribute substantially to reproductiveharm, and antenatal contacts provide opportunities for prevention. Discussion: Universal, selectiveand symptom-based screening must be distinguished. Conclusion: TORCH education shouldemphasize timing, interpretation, counseling and referral, because incorrect testing can create eithermissed disease or unnecessary anxiety