STIs During Pregnancy Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have serious consequences for both pregnant women and their developing child. For military families, understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to prevent and manage STIs during pregnancy is essential for health and well-being. To reduce the risk of developing STIs, practice safe sex, even during pregnancy. STIs are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal and anal sex. They are very common, with millions of new infections occurring each year in the United States. Learn more about the five most common STIs! Common STIs During Pregnancy Several STIs can affect pregnant women and their babies, including: Chlamydia: Can lead to preterm labor, low birth weight, neonatal conjunctivitis (pink eye) and/or pneumonia. This STI is oftentimes asymptomatic. Gonorrhea: Can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth and eye infections in newborns. Syphilis: Can result in stillbirth, neonatal death, or congenital syphilis, which can lead to serious health issues for the baby if left untreated. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, labor and breastfeeding. With proper treatment, the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Can cause neonatal herpes, a potentially fatal infection in newborns. HSV causes genital herpes. STIs During Pregnancy: The Effects If undetected or left untreated, STIs can have serious effects on fetal development, and the health of you and your newborn. Premature labor, which is considered labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth (or early birth) is the number one cause of infant death, and it can lead to long-term developmental and health issues in children. Infection in the uterus after birth (postpartum), risking the mother’s health. Speak to your health care team if you experience pain, fever and/or abnormal discharge. Infection is typically treated with antibiotics when caught early. Women who undergo cesarean sections (C-sections) are 30 times more likely to experience postpartum infection than those who deliver vaginally. Can I Pass an STI to My Baby? Yes, some STIs can be passed from a pregnant woman to the baby both during pregnancy and birth. Syphilis and hepatitis B can cross the placenta and infect the baby in the womb. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and genital herpes can pass from the mother to the baby during birth through the birth canal. HIV/AIDS can be passed from mother to baby in the womb. Risk is greatly reduced and often prevented with proper adherence to treatment. HIV can be transmitted via breast milk, so your health care team may recommend feeding your baby formula to reduce risk. < Prev Next > Possible Health Impacts of Passing an STI to Your Baby Physical Impacts Low birth weight (<5 lbs) Eye infection Blood infection Brain damage Lack of coordination and motor skills Stillbirth Health Condition Impacts Blindness Deafness Pneumonia Acute hepatitis Meningitis Chronic liver disease Can STIs Affect Breastfeeding? Some STIs impact breast milk and some do not. Though the following are general guidelines, talk to your health care team about breastfeeding while living with an STI. Learn more. DO NOT If you have HIV, do not breastfeed. Formula is recommended because HIV can pass to your baby through breastmilk. OK If you have chlamydia, gonorrhea or HPV, you can breastfeed. CAUTION If you have trichomoniasis, you can breastfeed only if you are taking a specific antibiotic treatment. You may be instructed to wait 12-24 hours after taking the medication to breastfeed. CAUTION If you have syphilis or herpes, you can breastfeed as long as your pumping equipment or baby does not touch a sore. Syphilis and herpes can spread to any part of the breast, including the nipple and areola. Prevention and Management Typically, your health care team screens for STIs at your first prenatal appointment. This allows early intervention if STIs are present in order to reduce risk to the fetus. If you test negative for STIs, remember to continue to practice safe sex in order to eliminate risk of STI exposure to you and your baby. You may also ask for additional STI screening at any point during and after your pregnancy. Tips for reducing your risk of getting or spreading STIs: Limit or avoid sexual contact: The only way to avoid getting STIs is to abstain from vaginal, anal and oral sex. Routine screening: Regular STI screening is crucial for early detection and treatment. Military health care providers offer comprehensive screening for expecting mothers. It is also important for your partners to routinely test negative for STIs. Safe Sex Practices: Use condoms the right way every time you have sex, be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship (i.e., you are only having sex with one another), and communicate openly with your partner. Prompt Treatment: If you or your sexual partner is diagnosed with an STI, follow the health care team’s treatment plan promptly. Early treatment can reduce the risk of transmission and complications. Prenatal Care: Attend all prenatal appointments and follow your health care team’s recommendations. Prenatal care is vital for monitoring and managing any potential risks to you and your baby. Education and Support: Learn more about STIs and pregnancy. Seek support from military health resources, which offer education, counseling and treatment options. If you have an existing STI or test positive for an STI during pregnancy, your sex partner(s) should be tested and treated as soon as possible. For tips on how to communicate with your sexual partners, check out the 5 Ps of Healthy Sexual Communication for conversation starters. Treatment and Recovery Not all treatment methods are safe during pregnancy, so it’s important to work with your health care team to keep you safe and healthy. Some STIs can be treated/cured with antibiotics that are generally deemed safe for use during pregnancy. Others may be treated with antiviral medications the reduce the risk of passing the STI to the baby. Depending on your existing health conditions, current medications and assessment from your health care team, you may not be able to take some medications for treatment. STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (though not an STI) can all be treated and cured with antibiotics safe to consume during pregnancy. Viral STIs such as genital herpes, hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS cannot be cured, but they can be managed. ReferencesOffice on Women’s Health - “Sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and breastfeeding”Cleveland Clinic - “Understand the Risks of STIs While Pregnant.”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “About STIs and Pregnancy”
