Yes, it is possible to pass a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection (STI) to your child during pregnancy and delivery.
Many STDs are also asymptomatic, which means you can carry one without any signs and without knowing you are at risk of passing it to your baby.
That is why testing matters, whether you already suspect you are pregnant or have been sexually active with a new partner.
If you are worried that you might have an STD, Oasis Medical Center can be a calm place to find real answers and treatment if needed.
How STDs Affect Pregnancy
Several STDs and STIs can reach your baby, either through your body during pregnancy or during birth.
Syphilis, for example, can pass through the placenta to your baby while you are still pregnant.
Gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes are more often transmitted to your baby during vaginal delivery. HIV can be passed both during pregnancy and at birth.
When an STD or STI goes untreated, it can create serious complications for you and your baby, including:
- Miscarriage
- Preterm birth
- Premature rupture of membranes (your water breaks before being full-term)
- Low birth weight
- Eye infections (i.e., pink eye)
- Heart, skin, and joint issues
These complications are why early testing and diagnosis are so valuable. They give your medical team time to watch your health closely and prepare for potential risks.
Treatment During Pregnancy
Learning that an STD could affect your baby is frightening, but a diagnosis is not the end of the story.
Early detection opens the door to treatment. Bacterial infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis can be treated with antibiotics during pregnancy.
When HIV or herpes is present, antiviral medications can lower the chance of passing the infection to your child.
Get the Answers You Need at Oasis
Whether or not you are pregnant, testing is important any time you are sexually active or have a new partner.
Oasis Medical Center offers free and confidential STD testing and treatment for both women and men.
If you test positive for bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas, we will treat you for free when you return to receive your results. With a positive test for syphilis or HIV, we can refer you to a trusted medical provider.
Also, if you think you may be pregnant, we provide free pregnancy test confirmation. If your test is positive at the clinic, we can offer a limited OB ultrasound scan to help you learn more about your pregnancy. Our caring staff will review your results with you, answer every question, and talk through ways to protect your health going forward.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.