Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD’s & STI’s) During Pregnancy

Bacterial STI’S – Infections that are curable

Gonorrhea

M – Can result in ectopic pregnancies and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause infertility

B – Premature birth, stillbirth, eye infections

Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery

M – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN

B – Antibiotics are given in the eyes to prevent infection

Chlamydia

M – Can result in ectopic pregnancies and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause infertility

B – Pneumonia, eye infections, blindness

Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery

M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN

Trichomoniasis

M – Can cause fallopian tube damage

B – Premature birth, low birth weight

Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery

M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN

Bacterial

Vaginosis

B – Premature birth, low birth weight

Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery

M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN

Syphilis

M – Miscarriage

B – Stillbirth, congenital syphilis which can result in mental & physical problems

Can cross the placenta during pregnancy and can transfer in the birth canal during delivery

M & B – Antibiotics approved by OB/GYN can be given to prevent damage to the fetus

Viral STI’S – Infections that are not curable

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

M – Can lead to genital cancer

B – Warts can develop in the baby’s throat which will require surgery

M & B – Warts in birth canal can cause complications during delivery

Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery, but very rare

M & B – Wart treatment can occur during pregnancy but has to be approved by OB/GYN

Hepatitis B

M – Can cause significant damage to the liver

B – Unless treated within an hour of birth 90% of babies will be a carrier for life

Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery

B – No cure, but can be prevented with vaccinations

Herpes

M – Severe outbreak in the first trimester can result in miscarriage

B – Fetus is at higher risk if herpes is contracted during pregnancy, and can lead to neonatal herpes.

Can transfer in the birth canal during delivery and rarely can cross the placenta during pregnancy

M – No cure, but outbreaks can be treated with oral medication

B – Treatment immediately following birth improves chances of a health baby

Human Immuno- deficiency Virus (HIV)

M & B – HIV can develop into AIDS, which is fatal

Can cross the placenta during pregnancy and can transfer in the birth canal during delivery. Also possible to transfer through breastfeeding

M – Antiviral medication is given to reduce symptoms during pregnancy

B – Treatment during pregnancy greatly reduces the chance of transmission to the baby