Sexually transmitted diseases in pregnancy are a serious health concern because they pose additional risks to both you and your baby.
That’s because certain infections can lead to complications such as preterm birth, miscarriage, or even serious health issues for the newborn that may be life threatening or extend during their lifetime.
So, if you’re pregnant, it’s essential to attend prenatal appointments and get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Early detection and proper treatment can help manage these risks and support a healthy pregnancy.
This guide covers everything you need to know about STDs during pregnancy, from understanding how they are transmitted to the potential impact on fetal development.
You’ll learn when and how to get tested, what steps to take if you receive a positive diagnosis, and the safest treatment options available for conditions like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and others.
Additionally, we’ll explore practical ways to protect yourself and your baby by preventing STDs.
Keep reading to get essential information to avoid sexually transmitted diseases in pregnancy and ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby. Let’s start by understanding how STDs affect your pregnancy.
Table of contents
How Do Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Affect Pregnancy?
STD and Pregnancy – What are the Risks From an Infection?
How to Find Out If You Have an STD During Pregnancy
What STDs Do They Check for During Pregnancy?
When Do They Test for STDs During Pregnancy?
What Happens If You Test Positive For an STD While Pregnant?
How Do Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Affect Pregnancy?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, transmitted through:
- Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner)
- Direct skin-to-skin contact (such as with herpes or HPV)
- Exchange of bodily fluids (including semen, vaginal fluids, and blood)
Since 2010, the records suggest a 31% increase in chlamydia cases and an 80% increase in gonorrhea cases in the U.S.
These are statistics we’d all rather see reduced. But some STDs – including these – can also transmit from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or, in rare cases, through breastfeeding. Which is why we’re writing this article.
If left untreated, certain infections can lead to serious complications, affecting both your maternal health and fetal development.
STD and Pregnancy: What Are the Risks From an Infection?
While any STD can be concerning, some pose a greater risk to pregnant women and their babies. These include:
Chlamydia:
This bacterial infection often has no symptoms but can increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), which can cause preterm labor. If left untreated, other risks include low birth weight, inflammation of the cervix, and eye or lung infections in newborns.
It’s more common in younger women, particularly those under 25 years old. However, if you’re older and pregnant, your doctor may still recommend you to get tested, based on risk factors.
Gonorrhea:
Like chlamydia, this bacterial infection can also increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes due to infection of the cervix and uterus. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and severe eye infections in the baby if passed during delivery.
Genital Herpes:
This is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). If a mother has an active outbreak at the time of delivery, it can lead to neonatal herpes, a life-threatening condition for the newborn. For some women, genital herpes outbreaks can worsen during pregnancy, blocking the vaginal canal and requiring a C-section for safely delivering the baby.
Syphilis:
This serious bacterial infection can be life threatening, as it crosses the placenta, causing congenital syphilis. This can result in pregnancy loss, stillbirth, developmental delays, and severe health problems for the newborn.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):
This is a virus that weakens the immune system. Without treatment, it can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, leading to perinatal HIV infection. However, with proper medical care, the risk of transmission can be reduced to less than 1%.
Hepatitis B:
Another viral infection that affects the liver and can pass to the baby during childbirth. Babies born to infected mothers need immediate vaccination and treatment to prevent health problems such as lifelong liver disease.
Each of these infections can be managed with proper medical intervention, but early screening and detection are crucial.
This is why routine tests for STD during pregnancy are so important. They help identify and treat STDs before complications and unwanted health problems arise, protecting both you and your baby.
How to Find Out If You Have an STD During Pregnancy
While many sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic, it’s helpful if you know some common signs to watch for. These include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge (thicker, discolored, or foul-smelling)
- Pain or burning during urination
- Genital sores, warts, or blisters (may indicate genital herpes, syphilis, or HPV)
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Unusual bleeding between periods
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue, often seen in syphilis, HIV, or herpes outbreaks)
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an STD test immediately.
But even if you have no symptoms, testing is still important when you’re pregnant. It’s the only reliable way to confirm an STD and the best way to reduce risks, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Next, let’s get into the details of those tests.
Can You Get Tested for STDs While Pregnant?
Yes, you can and you should. STD testing is a routine and essential part of prenatal care.
As mentioned, many STDs can be “silent” – meaning they don’t cause noticeable symptoms but can still harm both you and your baby.
Because of this, medical guidelines recommend that all pregnant women be screened for certain STDs early in pregnancy and, in some cases, again in the third trimester.
What STDs Do They Check for During Pregnancy?
Prenatal STD screening involves a combination of blood samples, urine tests, and swabs to detect infections. Each infection has its test method.
Here are the most common ones, recommended for all pregnant women and usually performed during the first prenatal visit:
HIV Test (blood test): Detects HIV infection, the virus that causes AIDS. Early treatment with antiretroviral medication can prevent transmission to your baby.
Syphilis Screening (blood test): Required in many countries because untreated syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe birth defects.
Hepatitis B Test (blood test): Determines if you are infected. If positive, your baby can receive immediate treatment after birth to prevent infection.
Chlamydia Test (urine test or vaginal swab): Detects chlamydia, which can cause preterm birth and infections in newborns.
Gonorrhea Test (urine test or vaginal swab): Identifies gonorrhea, which can lead to eye infections and other complications in newborns.
Other STIs Tested – Based on High-Risk Factors
In addition to the standard tests mentioned above, some other tests are recommended for pregnant women who practice unprotected sex or have other risk factors, such as multiple partners, new partners, or a history of STDs. They include the following:
Hepatitis C Test (blood test): Recommended for women at risk (e.g., history of IV drug use, HIV, or previous hepatitis C infection).
Trichomoniasis Test (vaginal swab): Your doctor may recommend this if you have symptoms like itching or unusual discharge.
Herpes (HSV) Test (swab of sores or blood test): Not part of routine screening, but your doctor may recommend it if you have symptoms or a history of herpes.
When Do They Test for STDs During Pregnancy?
Screening guidelines vary slightly by country, but most medical organizations, including the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), recommend:
First Trimester (First Prenatal Visit):
- HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis B test for all women.
- Hepatitis C and trichomoniasis test if risk factors are present.
- Additional STD testing may be done if you have other symptoms or concerns.
Third Trimester (Around 28–36 Weeks):
If you have genital herpes, your doctor will likely start antiviral medication (acyclovir or valacyclovir) at 36 weeks to reduce the risk of an outbreak during delivery.
For other STIs, the guidelines recommend repeat testing for syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea if you are a woman who is:
- Under 25 years old
- With new or multiple partners
- With a history of STDs
- Living in areas with high STD rates
What Happens If You Test Positive For an STD While Pregnant?
Testing positive for an STD while pregnant can be overwhelming, but the important thing to know is that most STDs are treatable or manageable with the right care, so don’t panic.
Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent health complications for you and your baby.
So, here’s a step-by-step on what you should do if you get a positive STD test result.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider Immediately
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your obstetrician or gynecologist (ObGyn). If you test positive during a routine checkup, the clinic will usually contact you and give you instructions on the next steps.
Use this appointment to discuss treatment options, the potential impact of the infection on your pregnancy, and any precautions you need to take.
Follow the Treatment Plan Carefully
Take all medications as directed.
If you have bacterial STDs, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, which are typically very effective. For viral infections, such as herpes or HIV infection, antiviral medications can help reduce symptoms and the risk of transmission to your baby.
If you’re diagnosed with HIV, you will be placed on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to reduce the viral load and prevent transmission to your baby during pregnancy and childbirth.
Keep Track of Your Health and Your Baby’s Health
Monitor for any changes in your symptoms or any new concerns you may have. If you’re receiving treatment for an STD, follow your healthcare provider’s advice on follow-up visits to track your progress. You may need additional tests to make sure the infection has been fully treated.
Notify Your Partner(s)
Talk to your partner(s) about the STD result. It’s important they get tested and treated as well to prevent reinfection. Encourage your partner(s) to get a screening to determine if they are carrying the infection, especially if it can be transmitted even without symptoms (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes).
Consider the Delivery Method (If Necessary)
Some STDs affect the way your baby is delivered. For example, when you have herpes, your healthcare provider may recommend a C-section if you have an active outbreak near your due date. This is to prevent transmission to your baby.
HIV-positive mothers can still have a vaginal delivery, but they may require medications during labor to reduce the risk of transmission.
Seek Emotional Support and Counseling
Being diagnosed with an STD while pregnant can be stressful and emotional. It’s important to take care of your mental health during this time, so try to speak to a counselor or therapist who specializes in sexual health or pregnancy. Many healthcare providers offer counseling services or can connect you with someone who can provide emotional support.
Support groups can also be incredibly helpful. Being around others who are going through a similar experience can provide comfort and validation. Many clinics or online forums provide support groups for women with STDs during pregnancy.
Prevent Reoccurrence
Practice safe sexual activity (e.g., monogamy, using condoms, not having unprotected sex, etc.) to avoid reinfection or spreading the STD to others in the future. If your partner is treated, make sure they complete the full course of medications to help prevent reinfection.
Discuss with your doctor about how to prevent STDs in the future, such as getting regular screenings or learning best practices for safe sexual activity. This might include using birth control options that also protect against STDs (e.g., condoms). Please note that birth control pills or IUDs do NOT prevent STDs.
Trust Stella Mattina for Prevention and Care of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and have concerns about sexually transmitted diseases or about any other aspect of your pregnancy, our team of compassionate experts is here to guide you every step of the way.
We specialize in preventive medicine, women’s health, and prenatal care. This means you can have comprehensive screenings, personalized treatments, and ongoing support to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. We’re also easy to talk to about how STDs affect pregnancy – and can help you avoid them.
Don’t wait. We have same-day appointments available to suit your lifestyle, and accept a wide range of insurance options. Book your appointment now!
Tenemos ginecólogos que hablan español en Dallas, TX.
Dr. Krum is currently in practice in Arlington, TX. He received his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University, then attended UTMB Galveston for medical school, finishing in 1986, completing his residency there in 1990. Providing a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care, he specializes in the treatment of endometriosis and robotic surgery. He arranges his schedule so that same-day appointments are usually available.