STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) in pregnancy is very risky, as it
poses great danger to the life of both the mother and her baby.
A mother can pass on some infections to her baby during pregnancy
and while breastfeeding. There are some important things you must
know about STDs in pregnancy. Please read.
1. Some STDs (like syphilis) can cross the placenta and infect a baby
while in the uterus (womb).
2. STDs like gonorrhea, genital herpes, chlamydia, and hepatitis B can
be transmitted from mother to baby during delivery through the birth
canal.
3. HIV can cross the placenta during pregnancy, infect the baby
during the birth and, unlike most STDs, can also infect the baby
through breastfeeding.
4. A pregnant woman with STDs may have an early onset of labour,
premature rupture of membranes, uterine infections after delivery, or a
still birth.
5. Babies whose mothers have STD during pregnancy may suffer from
low birth weight, eye infection (conjunctivitis), pneumonia, neonatal
sepsis (blood infection), neurological damage, blindness, and liver
diseases.
6. Treating an STD as soon as it is detected in pregnant women will
make dangerous health outcomes less likely. Pregnant women should
consult a health care provider for appropriate examination, testing,
and treatment, as necessary.