The presence of any form of sexually transmitted disease in a pregnant lady can have severe consequences for her unborn child. The effects will be dependent upon the type of disease suffered, and how the infant will be affected.
STD and Pregnancy. Some common sexually transmitted diseases are shown below.
- Herpes. With this kind of disease it becomes hazardous when the time for delivery of the baby arrives. There will be active lesions present in the genitalia of the female which can affect the child at birth. Commonly females who suffer from this type of STD opt to have a Cesarean section operation for the removal of the baby to prevent any infection.
- HIV. The passing of the human immune deficiency virus to the unborn baby is no longer a risk since the advent of modern medicines, which prevent such a possibility. If the child perchance does become infected then inevitable he or she will develop HIV.
- Gonorrhea. This disease is easily detectable by testing a sample of fluid from the vagina. The infection can cause stomach pain and a severe burning sensation while passing urine. If the infection is active at the time of delivery there is the chance of the infant becoming blind and developing a serious blood infection. The effects on the mother can increase the risk or either a miscarriage or a preterm delivery.
- Syphilis. Syphilis is readily transmitted from the mother to her baby, and it is highly probable that the baby will suffer from some form of serious infection, often proving fatal. Immediate treatment is called for to avoid illnesses associated with internal organs, the brain, vision, and hearing.
- Hepatitis B. This virus infects the liver and can be transferred to the baby by any infected mother through the placenta. The risk of a preterm delivery is increased by the presence of Hepatitis B, but vaccines are now available for the treatment of the disease.
If any pregnant female suspects that she may have a sexually transmitted disease then it is wise to have the local health advisor carry out the necessary tests for STD.
Very often the diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis can be treated successfully with antibiotics administered orally or by injection, and there are anti viral tablets available for the herpes infection. The doctor will give the new born baby an injection to counter the effects of the Hepatitis B infection.
In all cases it is sensible for any female to avoid becoming infected by the disease in the first place. Do not act promiscuously, stay with one sexual partner, and practice safe sexual habits.