STDs While Pregnant

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The terms tend to be used interchangeably, and refer to the same thing. STDs are common among people who are sexually active. Statistically, one out of every five sexually active individuals have an STI. STIs are easily passed due to their nature therefore it is recommended that they are treated in good time. Early treatment is necessary to prevent further complications that could impact the reproductive organs. 

A pregnant person with an STD could also pass on the infection to the unborn child. This is where early diagnosis and treatment come in, to keep the child from contracting the infection. When someone has an STI, it is also important to inform their sexual partner in order to ensure that they too get treatment. Having said that, let us discuss different STDs, what symptoms they present, how transmission occurs, their treatment, and importantly, how to prevent them from spreading.

What Are STIs?

An STI is a type of disease that is spread specifically through sexual contact. They are categorized into four types - viral, parasitic, fungal and bacterial. The most common STDs are Chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea which are treatable with antibiotics.  Other STIs are viral, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) and their course of treatment is much longer. Viral STIs as well can be transmitted to unborn babies, still in the womb or during birth. 

How Are STIs Diagnosed While Pregnant?

In order to test for STIs, urine and blood tests are done. For a pregnant person this is the next course of tests done once the pregnancy is confirmed. There is a specific test that is used to test for STIs when a person is pregnant which covers the more common spectrum. The purpose for this is early detection and treatment in consideration of the unborn child’s health. Treatment can then be administered, followed by retesting, to ensure that the infections are responsive and under control, especially as one gets closer to delivering the baby.   

What Are the Symptoms of STIs?

Just like with any condition, there are general symptoms of STIs, which then vary from one individual to another. We shall outline the general symptoms of common STDs in this section. You may notice similarities in symptoms from one STI to another as you read along. This is why proper tests and diagnosis at a healthcare facility are necessary.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

• Pain in the vagina, anus, or testicles
• Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Lower back or abdominal pain
• Fever

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

• Bleeding between periods
• Heavy periods
• Burning sensation or pain when urinating
• A discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus that is cloudy or bloody
• Itchy sensation around the anus
• Pain when making bowel movement

Symptoms of Syphilis

• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Sudden baldness
• A non-irritating rash on the body

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

• A discharge that is clear white or greenish-yellow coming from the penis or vagina
• Soreness, itching or burning sensation on the vagina or penis
• An unpleasant pungent (“fishy”) odor coming from the vagina
• Pain when having sex or urinating

Symptoms HIV

• Sore throat
• Ulcers or rashes on the mouth
• Chills and night sweats
• Fever
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

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

Symptoms of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Small warts that could be around or on the genitals - sometimes with a cauliflower-like appearance
• Discomfort and itching around the genitals
• Bleeding during sexual intercourse

Hepatitis

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

STI Treatment While Pregnant

In general, STIs are treated with antibiotics. For pregnant people, the antibiotics administered are safe enough not to harm the baby in the womb. As well, the prescription is adjusted based on how far along the pregnancy is. 

Risk of STIs to the Baby, While Pregnant

Untreated STIs are often passed on from mother to child. Syphilis for example can be passed through the placenta, while herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia can be passed on during childbirth. Herpes itself is not treated with antibiotics like gonorrhea or chlamydia, it is treated with suppressive antiviral therapy. With herpes though, just before childbirth, a pregnant person could present with active sores. In such circumstances, a c-section would be the safe birthing option. 

Should a person have HIV, the treatment will be done with antiretroviral medications from the time they test positive for the infection. Antiretroviral medications have been effective in significantly reducing the risk of infection down to below one percent. As well, a huge majority of children whose mothers are under antiretroviral treatment are typically born clear of infection as a result. 

Preventing STIs While Pregnant

Abstinence from sexual activity is the surefire way that one can avoid contracting an STD. This however, is also not very practical considering that by nature, humans are sexual beings. Therefore, the alternative ways of prevention are using condoms which can ward off most STIs with the exception of HPV. The reason for this is that even with condoms HPV can still be passed on at the areas of skin that are not covered by the condom.

Once a person receives a positive test result for an STI, it is important that they together with their partner immediately take precautions to prevent the infection from spreading, or even reinfection. In order to ensure that the infection does not spread or reinfect the partners, regular retesting is necessary particularly if one of the partners is pregnant. Of note is that couples that are monogamous have a much lower chance of reinfection. 

In Summary

It is during sexual activity that STIs are spread. Early testing and treatment are crucial toward treating the infections. As well, sexual partners need to take additional precautions to keep from reinfecting each other where treatment is underway or complete. As well, individuals need to have honest communication with their healthcare providers as well as their partners. This is crucial toward treatment and prevention of spread. 

When a person is pregnant and they have an STD, it is possible to get treatment and proper care when delivering their baby to prevent the newborn from becoming infected. However, early diagnosis and treatment is key to the success of a pregnancy and delivery. If you have further queries or concerns about an STI in relation to your family building plans, seek the advice of the professional team of experts at IVF Fertility Center. We understand that each circumstance is unique and requires understanding and compassion.