It’s also possible for an infection to pass to a baby in the womb or during labor and even during breastfeeding. The exact risk varies by the type of STI, adequate treatment availability, and how well controlled the condition is during the pregnancy, along with other factors. However, sexually transmitted infections can be managed to reduce or eliminate these risks. If you have an STI, or if you’re worried that you might, talk to a healthcare provider about treatment and prenatal care. Some infections are looked for as part of routine prenatal screening, especially in high-risk populations (for example, trichomonas), but many are not. Hepatitis B and (much less commonly) hepatitis C can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Because hepatitis B can be dangerous for babies, all newborns should be vaccinated against hepatitis B, regardless of whether or not their mother has a known infection. Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B must get the vaccine within 12 hours of birth. They also receive an immune globulin treatment to prevent a chronic hepatitis infection. Chronic hepatitis B infection does not often cause symptoms in newborns, but long-term chronic infections are a significant cause of serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Babies can acquire herpes if a mother contracts the infection during pregnancy or if active lesions are present at birth and the baby is delivered vaginally. Therefore, mothers with active lesions often need to deliver by cesarean section. Mothers can also be prescribed an antiviral medication during the last month of pregnancy to prevent an outbreak and allow for a vaginal delivery. Screening for BV is not routine during pregnancy, so tell your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms including a gray vaginal discharge with an unpleasant fishy odor and itching or burning. This infection is easily treated in pregnancy with antibiotics.
Miscarriage Premature rupture of membranes Premature birth Low-birthweight babies (babies who are small for gestational age) Postpartum infection in the uterus
Gonorrhea may also be transmitted to the baby during birth. If untreated, it can result in infections of the eye, joints, and blood. Asymptomatic infections are common, so doctors may screen for gonorrhea at an early prenatal appointment. Antibiotics can resolve the infection if it is present. It is also important to treat sex partners so that pregnant women do not get reinfected and to retest after treatment to ensure that the infection has been cured. Chlamydia is associated with pregnancy complications including preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight. Babies can also be exposed to the bacteria during delivery and develop eye and lung infections. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. As with gonorrhea, it is important to retest after treatment to make sure the infection is no longer present.
