Here is some great information on STI’s during pregnancy from www.americanpregnancy.org
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD’s & STI’s) During Pregnancy
Bacterial STI’S – 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 infertilityB – Premature birth, stillbirth, eye infections | Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery | M – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYNB – 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 infertilityB – 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 damageB – 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 STI’S – 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 cancerB – Warts can develop in the baby’s throat which will require surgeryM & B – Warts in 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 liverB – 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 miscarriage B – Fetus is at higher risk if 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 medicationB – Treatment immediately following birth improves chances of a health baby |
| Human Immuno- deficiency 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 pregnancyB – Treatment during pregnancy greatly reduces the chance of transmission to the baby |