It is possible to become infected by a sexually transmitted disease (STDs) during pregnancy. Pregnant women should talk to their doctors about getting tested for STDs and STIs, some doctors many not perform these tests.
Bacterial STIs – Infections that are curable |
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| Infection | Risks (M=Mom; B=Baby) | Method of Transfer | Treatment |
| Gonorrhea | M – Can result in ectopic pregnancies and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause infertility B – Premature birth, stillbirth, eye infections |
Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery | M – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN B – Antibiotics are given in the eyes to prevent infection |
| Chlamydia | M – Can result in ectopic pregnancies and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause infertility B – Pneumonia, eye infections, blindness |
Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery | M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN |
| Trichomoniasis | M – Can cause fallopian tube damage B – Premature birth, low birth weight |
Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery | M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN |
| Bacterial Vaginosis | B – Premature birth, low birth weight | Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery | M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN |
| Syphilis | M – Miscarriage B – Stillbirth, congenital syphilis which can result in mental & physical problems |
Can cross the placenta during pregnancy and can transfer in the birth canal during delivery |
M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN can be given to prevent damage to the fetus |
Viral STIs – Infections that are not curable |
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Infection
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Risks (M=Mom; B=Baby)
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Method of Transfer
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Treatment
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| Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) | M – Can lead to genital cancer B – Warts can develop in the baby’s throat which will require surgery M & B – Warts in the birth canal can cause complications during delivery |
Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery, but very rare |
M & B – Wart treatment can occur during pregnancy but has to be approved by OB/GYN |
| Hepatitis B | M – Can cause significant damage to the liver B – Unless treated within an hour of birth 90% of babies will be a carrier for life |
Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery | B – No cure, but can be prevented with vaccinations |
| Herpes | M – Severe outbreak in the first trimester can result in miscarriageB – Fetus is at higher risk of herpes is contracted during pregnancy, and can lead to neonatal herpes. |
Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery and rarely can cross the placenta during pregnancy |
M – No cure, but outbreaks can be treated with oral medications B – Treatment immediately the following birth improves chances of a healthy baby |
| Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) | M & B – HIV can develop into AIDS, which is fatal | Can cross the placenta during pregnancy and can transfer in the birth canal during delivery. Also possible to transfer through breastfeeding |
M – Antiviral medication is given to reduce symptoms during pregnancy B – Treatment during pregnancy greatly reduces the chance of transmission to the baby |
