While it’s not guaranteed that you will pass an existing STD to your child either during pregnancy or birth, there’s a chance you could if you do not seek treatment and prenatal care.
Sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs/STDs) are a result of bacteria, parasites, or viruses. They spread through sexual contact of any kind and bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids. If you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you could have an STD.
Visit Pregnancy Help Center for early pregnancy services. We can confirm your pregnancy through a no-cost ultrasound scan and provide medical referrals for prenatal care.
STDs and Pregnancy: An Overview
STDs can lead to complications during pregnancy and birth for both the woman and child.
It can cause premature rupture of membranes (when your water breaks before your body is ready for labor), preterm labor (before 37 weeks), and low birth weight (when your baby weighs less than 5 lbs, 8 oz.). Additionally, specific STIs can harm babies, including causing pink eye, pneumonia, blindness, brain damage, skin infections, blood infections, joint infections, and others.
Getting tested and treated early will ensure you receive any necessary treatment to protect you and your developing pregnancy. Most healthcare providers will test you for a variety of STDs at your first prenatal visit, even if you do not have a history of having one.
How STDs Are Treated
If your tests come back positive for a bacterial STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat and cure the STD. However, if you have a virus like herpes, you may be prescribed an antiviral medication to try to prevent the spread.
Your care team may recommend a cesarean section (C-section) if you have active herpes lesions or HIV. They would monitor your condition through pregnancy and birth to make proactive health decisions.
Medical oversight and prenatal care will reduce your chances of spreading the STD to your child.
Confirm Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound
If you haven’t yet confirmed your pregnancy with an ultrasound, schedule an appointment at Pregnancy Help Center. We can provide one at no cost, so you can receive important health details, including how far along you are in your pregnancy.
We can also discuss medical referrals so you can be tested for STDs and receive necessary treatment to safeguard your health.