STI treatment for pregnant women: what you need to know

STI treatment for pregnant women: what you need to know

Almost all STIs can cause problems in the child before or during birth. The risk to the unborn child varies with each condition. One can have an STI without noticing it. During a visit to the obstetrician, family doctor or gynecologist, pregnant women are offered a blood test for syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV. If there is an increased risk of an STI, they should also be tested for other STIs. Discuss this with your doctor. Most STIs are easily treated with antibiotics, even during pregnancy. If an STI is detected, the partner should also be tested, and treated if necessary. One of the most common STIs is Chlamydia, which often causes pain or burning when urinating, discharge or blood loss. In as many as 90% of women, it progresses without symptoms.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea during pregnancy

In many women, these STIs progress without symptoms. Women with a passed chlamydia or gonorrhea infection have a slightly increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia infection is associated with premature labor, premature ruptured membranes, preterm labor, low birth weight. It can also cause an eye infection or pneumonia in the newborn baby. Gonorrhea also poses the risk of abortion, premature labor and premature ruptured membranes. In addition, it can also cause inflammation of the amniotic membranes. As with chlamydia, the newborn baby is at risk of eye infection or pneumonia. Treatment of an infected pregnant woman prevents transmission to the child during delivery. After treatment, a control test is recommended 4 to 6 weeks after treatment to be sure it is gone.

Antibiotics and Pregnancy

Some antibiotics pass through the placenta and in this way may perhaps be harmful to the unborn child. This is always taken into account in the advice of treatment for a pregnant woman. Many standard first choice treatments are known to be safe to give, if not, there is often a safe alternative treatment.

Genital Herpes and Pregnancy

With a pregnancy of 34 weeks or longer involving a first infection with the Herpes Simplex Virus, a referral to a gynecologist is generally made. This is because in this case there is somewhat more risk for the unborn or newborn child. Sometimes, in consultation with the obstetrician or gynecologist, medication that can inhibit the virus can be started. This can also possibly already be given preventively at a pregnancy of less than 34 weeks, for example if it recurs repeatedly or if there are many symptoms. If you have symptoms of an STI and you are pregnant call your doctor first and if you prefer not to, you can make an appointment at Onedayclinic. Our doctors will help you further.