You may still be unsure if you have an STD. Any kind of unprotected sex can leave you vulnerable, so it is in your best interest to get tested for STDs if you are unexpectedly pregnant. We offer STD testing and we are in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health. Your inquiries, conversations and tests are always confidential. Let us partner with you on this journey.
Will I Pass My STD To My Child?
This could be a common concern when facing an unplanned pregnancy. You may or may not be aware of the symptoms you could struggle with and wonder if your unborn baby may experience the same.
Research shows that, yes, you can pass an STD to an unborn child during pregnancy. It’s a scary thought, but know you are not alone. Understanding the transmission of STDs and how they can affect your unborn baby can empower you to make the right decisions for your pregnancy.
How Is An STD Transmitted During Pregnancy?
Some STDs can pass from mother to child during pregnancy through the placenta. These include diseases such as syphilis and HIV. Other STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia will pass to the unborn baby during birth as the child goes through the birth canal.
Can An STD Harm My Baby?
Sexually transmitted diseases can complicate your pregancy and cause potential harm to your unborn child. Complications and risks for the baby can include:
- Low birth weight
- Eye infection
- Pneumonia
- Infection in the baby’s blood
- Brain damage
- Lack of coordination in body movements
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Acute hepatitis
- Meningitis
- Chronic liver disease,
- Stillbirth
Are Treatments Available For STD During Pregnancy?
The good news is that many STDs can be treated during pregnancy. According to the CDC, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be treated and cured with antibiotics during pregnancy.
While STDs caused by a virus-like HIV or hepatitis B cannot be cured, some can be treated with antiviral medications. The bottom line is with most STDs something can be done to reduce the probability of transmission from you to your unborn baby during pregnancy and birth. Contact us today to schedule your free appointment.