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 a risk-stratified clinical process rather than a single laboratory package. Methods: International public-health sources and antenatal-care recommendations were synthesized. Results: Congenital CMV remains common, sexually transmitted infections contribute substantially to reproductive harm, and antenatal contacts provide opportunities for prevention. Discussion: Universal, selective and symptom-based screening must be distinguished. Conclusion: TORCH education should emphasize timing, interpretation, counseling and referral, because incorrect testing can create either missed disease or unnecessary anxiety.