If you are pregnant and know or suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it’s normal to worry about how that could affect your baby. Some STIs can be passed to a child during pregnancy or delivery, and understanding the risks and available treatments can help you take steps to protect your baby.
Bright Hope Centers is a pregnancy medical center in the Lehigh Valley, PA, offering free, confidential STI testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea for women in our community. Our compassionate medical team is here to answer your questions and provide accurate information about your pregnancy and health.
Contact us to request a confidential appointment.
How STIs Can Affect a Pregnancy
Not all STIs behave the same during pregnancy. The risk to your baby depend on the type of infection, how far along the pregnancy is, and whether treatment is received. Health authorities recommend early STI screening as a routine part of prenatal care for this reason. Some infections are curable, and treating them promptly can significantly reduce or eliminate the risk of passing them to your baby.
Common STIs and their risks during pregnancy:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: These bacterial infections do not cross the placenta but can be passed to a newborn during vaginal delivery, potentially causing eye infections or respiratory issues. Both are treatable with antibiotics.
- Syphilis: Unlike chlamydia and gonorrhea, syphilis can cross the placenta and reach the baby during pregnancy. Untreated syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and lasting health complications for the newborn. It is curable when treated early.
- HIV: Can be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. With consistent antiretroviral treatment, the risk of transmission to the baby is low.
- Genital herpes: This lifelong viral infection can be passed to a newborn if active sores are present during delivery. A healthcare provider may recommend a cesarean section to reduce transmission risk.
Why Early Testing Makes a Difference
Many STIs do not produce noticeable symptoms, so testing is the most reliable way to protect your baby. Early detection allows healthcare providers to treat curable infections and manage chronic infections safely.
Research involving more than 14 million mother-infant pairs shows that untreated STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are associated with higher rates of preterm birth.
No-Cost, Confidential STI Testing at Bright Hope Centers
Bright Hope Centers offers free, confidential STI testing, treatment, and education for women as part of our medical services. We are here to answer any of your questions and share accurate information so you can take the next steps with clarity and confidence.
To request a confidential appointment, contact Bright Hope Centers today. We are with you.
Bright Hope Centers does not provide or refer for abortions.
