Infectious disease risks during pregnancy in women with cancer: Impact on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing

Pregnant women with cancer face a distinctive combination of medical and psychosocial challenges that becomes more complex when infectious disease concerns are present. Pregnancy related immune adaptation, cancer induced immune disruption, and intensive clinical exposure create significant vulnerability to community and hospital infections. Beyond biological risk, the anticipation of infection and the potential for treatment interruption generate considerable psychological distress, intensifying anxiety, depressive symptoms, and health related uncertainty. Infection prevention measures further alter daily functioning, limit social interaction, and disrupt partner and family involvement, contributing to changes in maternal identity and the overall experience of pregnancy. Psychosocial wellbeing is shaped by interpersonal support, clarity of communication with clinicians, and access to community or psychological resources. Many women demonstrate notable resilience, drawing on coping strategies, cognitive adaptation, and supportive relationships to maintain emotional steadiness. However, evidence on infection related distress during cancer affected pregnancy remains sparse, with limited research on cultural variation, longitudinal patterns, and targeted interventions. Integrated psycho oncology care that addresses both medical vulnerability and psychological needs is essential for supporting women through treatment and pregnancy within an environment shaped by infectious disease risk.