STDs While Pregnant

It is possible to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) when you are pregnant. One in every five people, it is estimated, has an STI. Even though STIs affect millions of people, the majority can be treated and managed using medications.  When one is pregnant, it is important to ensure that any STIs are treated in good time to avoid transmitting them to the newborn during birth.  

Again, when one has an STI, it is important to communicate openly with one’s partner as well as a healthcare provider in order to ensure both a healthy sex life and pregnancy. Since the risks associated with STIs can have a negative impact, let us talk about what one needs to look out for in order to protect your unborn child. 

What Are STIs?

STIs as their name suggests are transmitted through sexual contact. However, babies who have STIs tend to acquire them as they are being born, or while they are still in the womb. 

STIs are generally categorized into four types; bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic.  

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are the most common STIs, and they are bacterial. Usually, they are treated using antibiotics. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes simplex are viral, and they are not treated as easily as the bacterial types.

How Are STIs Diagnosed While Pregnant?

Medical practitioners rely on both urine and blood tests in order to diagnose STIs. Typically, when a pregnancy is confirmed, the next step is to conduct an STI test. There is a specific test that is used to diagnose the more common STIs. The purpose of early testing in pregnancy is so that treatment and management can be done in good time. 

When one is pregnant, it is important to stay on top of STIs. One ought to get retested for new infections during pregnancy. As well, if you had been diagnosed with an STI and gotten treatment for it, before giving birth, get retested in order to be sure that the infection has cleared. If the STI has not cleared, one can make arrangements for a safe delivery.

What Are the Symptoms of STIs?

Each STI has specific symptoms, but it is expected that they will present differently from one case to another. We have outlined the symptoms of the different STIs below:

Chlamydia

• Pain in the lower back or abdomen
• An abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or a burning sensation when you pee 
• Pain in the vagina, testicles or anus
• Fever

Syphilis

• Fatigue
• Fever 
• HeadachesA non-itchy rash on the body 
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Sudden baldness

Gonorrhea

• A cloudy or bloody discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Bleeding in between periods
• Pain or burning sensation while you pee
• Pain while passing stool
• An itch around the anus

Trichomoniasis

• Pungent unpleasant odor from the vagina, often described as “fishy”
• Pain during intercourse or urination
• Itching, burning, or soreness on the penis or vagina
• A clear white or greenish-yellow discharge from the penis or vagina

HIV

• Fever
• Rashes or ulcers on the mouth
• Chills and night sweats
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Fatigue

Genital Herpes

• Pain and itching around the genitals and anus
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Small, open sores on the genitals or rectum

HPV

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

Hepatitis

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

STI Treatment While Pregnant

Typically, whether one is pregnant or not, treatment for STIs has a standard treatment protocol. During pregnancy though, some antibiotics are safer to use. As well, treatment for STIs will be based on how far along a person’s pregnancy is. 

Risk of STIs to the Baby, While Pregnant

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be passed to the baby during natural childbirth. Syphilis can be passed to the baby through the placenta. Due to the high risk they present, these require immediate medical attention to prevent them from spreading to others. 

Herpes tends to be passed on to the baby during natural childbirth. In order to have a safe delivery, herpes is treated with suppressive antiviral therapy. If by the time of delivery one still has active herpes sores, usually, delivering through a cesarean section (c-section) is the safe option.

HIV is usually managed using antivirals throughout pregnancy as well as during childbirth due to its severity. Antivirals have been observed to reduce the risk of infection significantly. In most cases, the right antivirals have reduced the risk to below one percent according to the National Institutes of Health.

Preventing STIs While Pregnant

There are several ways to prevent the spread of STIs while you are pregnant. The spread of many of the more common STIs can be prevented through the use of condoms. Abstaining from sexual intercourse is another effective way of preventing the spread of STIs. 

It is important to note though that the use of condoms may not be effective in preventing the spread of genital herpes or HPV because they spread via skin contact. The parts of the skin not covered by the condom remain vulnerable to infection. 

With abstinence, if one is in a monogamous relationship, the risk of contracting a new STI is quite low. Therefore abstinence may not be necessary, as long as both partners get tested regularly to prevent the baby from unnecessary exposure and risk.  

In Summary

STIs for the most part have treatments and cures. As well, it is possible to avoid contracting a majority of these STIs. Immediate and early treatment is crucial in the management of STIs, as well as communicating with your sexual partner, in order to prevent reinfection or contracting new STIs within the relationship. 

When one is pregnant, it is prudent to do everything possible to prevent harming your child. Early testing, early treatment, and special provisions for delivery are some of the ways you can prevent your child from becoming infected. 

Of course if you do have additional concerns regarding STIs in relation to your family building plans, Los Angeles Reproductive Center has facilities across the country. Our team of experts is available to give you the care you need.

STIs While Pregnant FAQs

Can I breastfeed if I have an STI?

This has several answers. In general, breastfeeding is possible if the STI you have is gonorrhoea, HPV, Trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. If the STI you have is syphilis or herpes, you can still breastfeed. However, you must stop breastfeeding immediately if you present with sores as these could pass on the infection. If the STI you have is HIV, it is advised that you do not breastfeed at all. 

Can your child be born with an STI?

Typically, children are not born having an STI from the womb. An untreated case of syphilis could however affect the baby while it is still in the womb. Some STIs could be passed to the baby through contact with the vagina during natural birth. All this means is that it is imperative to address any STIs as early as possible during pregnancy.

Can you give birth naturally with genital herpes?

With genital herpes, the main concern is usually active sores. If you do not have active sores before delivery, and if you do not have any active sores during delivery, then you can give birth naturally with genital herpes. However to reduce the risk, a professional healthcare provider will prescribe for you some antivirals in the weeks leading up to delivery.