Yes, some STDs (also known as STIs) can pass to your child during or before your child’s birth. Sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can create problems for both you and your baby during pregnancy. Here is what you will want to know if you have an STD and are pregnant. This may feel like a scary time, but know that you are not alone.
How STDs Pass to a Child
There is a chance certain STIs can pass from you to your child during pregnancy and birth. Here are a few ways STDs/STIs can pass to your child…
- Some STIs can cross the placenta and infect the baby in the womb.
- Some STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes can pass from the mother to the baby as the baby passes through the birth canal.
- HIV can cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the baby during delivery.
- Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydial infection have been linked to miscarriage, preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight
Not only do STDs/STIs affect the mother physically, but they can also affect the child by causing possible serious side effects, including…
- Eye infection
- Pneumonia
- Blood infection
- Brain damage
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Chronic liver disease
Can I Get STI Treatment While Pregnant?
Yes, treatment is effective for some STIs during pregnancy. There are certain antibiotics that can treat infections caused by bacteria, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Unfortunately, antibiotics will not treat viral infections like HIV, hepatitis, and herpes. Antiviral medicine or treatments can help with your symptoms and can reduce your risk of passing the virus to your child.
Receive Free STI Testing
If you’re still unsure you have an STD/STI while pregnant, get the answers you need today. We at First Care Clinic offer testing and treatment for STIs for women, free of charge.
If you are experiencing lots of pain in your belly, have abnormal bleeding, or have a fever, find your nearest emergency room right away for medical attention.
Contact us today to learn more about STI testing, or to make a free and confidential appointment! We are here for you.