STDs While Pregnant

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions in the United States daily. Some can be passed down to a newborn during the birthing process, therefore getting treated immediately for an STI while pregnant reduces the risk to the child.

Proper treatment and open communication with your partner go a long way in the support of a healthy pregnancy and fulfilling sex life. We shall be looking at the risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during pregnancy, symptoms to be aware of, and protecting your unborn child from getting infected. 

What Are STIs/STDs?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, and sometimes through pregnancy, childbirth, or contact with infected blood. 

It is estimated that there are about 68 million active STIs in America - about 1 in every 5 people. They are typically bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic with the more common ones being the bacterial type. 

They include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis and are usually treated with antibiotics in most cases. Viral STIs like human papillomavirus (HIV), and genital herpes simplex virus are not easily treated.

How Are STIs Diagnosed While Pregnant?

After a positive pregnancy test, a doctor usually proceeds to do a test for common STIs. The test requires a sample of either one’s blood or urine and is done quite quickly at many healthcare providers’ offices.

When pregnant, you could be exposed to an STI by your partner. Get retested if you think you have been exposed to an STI, to check for new infections. Depending on your situation, you could be retested before delivery to confirm that previous STIs have cleared, or that provisions have been made for a safe delivery.

What Are the Symptoms of STIs?

STIs have varied symptoms, each presenting differently from one case to another. STIs have specific symptoms that you can look out for. Here are some of the more common ones:

Chlamydia

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Pain in the vagina, testicles or rectum
• Abdominal or lower back pain
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Fever

Gonorrhea

• Pain or burning feeling during urination
• Pain during bowel movements
• Itching sensation around the anus
• Cloudy or bloody discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
• Heavy bleeding during or between periods

Trichomoniasis

• Itching, burning, or soreness on the penis or vagina
• Discharge from the penis or vagina with a clear white or greenish-yellow color
• Strong odor from the vagina, often described as “fishy”
• Pain during sex or urination

HIV

• Fever, headache and sore throat
• Rashes or ulcers on the mouth
• Chills and night sweats
• Fatigue

Genital Herpes

• Pain and itching around the genitals and rectum
• Small, open sores on the genitals or rectum
• Vaginal discharge

HPV

• Itching and discomfort in the pelvic region
• Small warts on or around the genitals, sometimes with a cauliflower appearance
• Bleeding during sex

Hepatitis

• Nausea, vomiting and upset stomach
• Pain near the liver - under the ribs on the right side of the body
• Dark urine or clay-colored stool
• Yellow, jaundiced skin
• Fever
• Fatigue

Syphilis

• Fever, sore throat and fatigue
• Headaches and swollen lymph nodes
• Rash anywhere on the body, typically without any itching
• Weight loss or sudden baldness

STI Treatment While Pregnant

The treatment for STIs standard  whether a person is pregnant or not. During pregnancy, consulting with a medical professional is crucial because some antibiotics are safer for pregnant people and your prescription may be based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have an STI, or think you could have been exposed to one, in order to explore treatment options that will be best for you and your baby.

Risk of STIs to the Baby, While Pregnant

Bacterial STIs can infect the baby during birth such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Others, like syphilis, can infect the unborn child during gestation. Seek treatment immediately if you have been exposed to any of these, in order to contain the spread and reduce the risk to others.

Viral STIs, such as herpes, are typically passed on to the child during delivery so if the mother wants to give birth naturally, a healthcare provider will prescribe suppressive antiviral therapy. If a patient presents with active herpes sores before delivery, the safest delivery option may be a cesarean section.

Serious infections, such as  HIV, can be managed using the right antivirals both in pregnancy and during childbirth, which significantly reduces the risk of the child being infected - down to below one percent in most cases, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Preventing STIs While Pregnant

Abstinence from sexual contact is a guarantee against contracting an STI. However it may not be necessary, as long as you and your partner are regularly screened for STIs. The risk of contracting a new STI when you are in a monogamous relationship is low, but it might be beneficial to both be tested to ensure the baby is not unnecessarily put at risk.

Condoms can prevent many common STDs but they are not 100 percent effective in preventing infections like genital herpes and HPV, because these can spread through skin contact in the areas that are not covered by the condom.

In Conclusion

Special considerations have to be made when navigating the treatment of an STI while pregnant, in order to avoid harming the baby or infecting them during childbirth. 

Many STIs can be avoided, and existing ones cured or treated, simply by communicating openly with both your sexual partner and healthcare provider, reducing their impact on your health and that of your unborn child.

If you have further questions or concerns about STIs and your reproductive health, Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine has facilities across the country. Our team of experts is ready to give you the personalized care you deserve.

STIs While Pregnant FAQs

Can I breastfeed if I have an STI?

This depends on the STI itself. With chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and trichomoniasis, breastfeeding is alright. However with HIV it should be avoided altogether. 

Syphilis and herpes are not usually passed through breast milk, but because they can cause sores, the infection could be passed on to the child through the mouth while nursing, or through contact with the pumping equipment. 

Can your child be born with an STI?

Yes. Some STIs can be passed on to the child during delivery if they are not treated. Any active STIs during pregnancy must be dealt with sooner rather than later, to minimize the chances of harm it could cause to the child.

Can You give birth naturally with genital herpes?

Yes, but only if you do not have any active sores before and during delivery. Antiviral treatment in the weeks leading up to delivery are often prescribed to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak.