ToRCH is an acronym for a group of infectious diseases that, while infecting the pregnant women, may cause birth defects in their newborns. ToRCH stands for 4 different infections that can adversely affect the pregnant women and the fetus, newborn children including birth defects and often leading to abortion. The four infections are Toxomplasmagondii (A spirochete), Rubella (Virus), CMV - Cytomegalovirus (Virus), HSV 1/2 - Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and/or 2 (Virus). The infections usually cause few, if any, symptoms in the pregnant woman, but pose greater risks of serious birth defects for neonates.
