If you’re pregnant and have recently been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or you’re wondering if you might have one, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the most common is, “Can I pass my STD to my baby?”
The answer is yes, some STDs can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. The good news is that early testing, treatment, and prenatal care can significantly reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.
If you’re pregnant or think you might be, here’s what you should know.
Some STDs Can Affect Your Pregnancy and Your Baby
Not all sexually transmitted infections are the same, but several can affect a developing baby if they aren’t diagnosed and treated.
Some examples include:
- Chlamydia may increase the risk of premature birth and can cause eye or lung infections in a newborn.
- Gonorrhea can be passed to a baby during delivery and may lead to serious eye infections if left untreated.
- Syphilis can cross the placenta during pregnancy and may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or serious health complications for the baby.
- Genital herpes (HSV) can sometimes be transmitted during vaginal delivery if active sores are present.
- HIV can be passed during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. However, with appropriate medical treatment, the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced.
The earlier an infection is identified, the sooner your healthcare provider can recommend treatment or management options to help protect both you and your baby.
You May Not Know You Have an STD
One of the reasons STD testing is so important during pregnancy is that many sexually transmitted infections cause few or no symptoms.
Even if you feel perfectly healthy, you could still have an infection.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge.
- Burning or pain during urination.
- Pelvic pain.
- Sores, blisters, or bumps in the genital area.
- Itching or irritation.
- Bleeding between periods.
Because symptoms aren’t always present, testing is the only way to know for sure whether you have an STD.
If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new sexual partner, or believe you may have been exposed to an STD, contact Lakeside Women’s Clinic for free, confidential STD testing, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Early Pregnancy Care Helps Protect You and Your Baby
If you think you might be pregnant, your first step should be to take a pregnancy test.
If your test is positive, follow up with an ultrasound. An ultrasound can determine whether your pregnancy is viable, and approximately how far along you are. These are all important details for protecting your health and knowing your options.
It’s also important to begin prenatal care as early as possible. Your healthcare provider will typically recommend routine STD/STI testing during pregnancy, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Many sexually transmitted infections can be successfully treated or managed during pregnancy. And receiving care early helps reduce the risk of complications and gives you the best opportunity for a healthy pregnancy.
Find Compassionate Care at Lakeside Women’s Clinic
If you think you might be pregnant or have questions about your sexual health, Lakeside Women’s Clinic is here to help.
We offer free, medical-grade pregnancy testing and free limited obstetrical ultrasounds for qualifying patients in a caring, judgment-free environment. Our compassionate staff is here to answer your questions, provide accurate pregnancy information, and help you understand your next steps. If you need STD/STI testing or treatment, we can also provide referrals to trusted healthcare providers in the community.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Lakeside Women’s Clinic today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here to support your health, your pregnancy, and your future.
