STI during Pregnancy: Essentials You Must Know To Handle Them

If you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant, it is crucial to be screened for sexually transmitted infections. Also known as STDs, these are infections that spread to an individual through sexual contact.

Sexually transmitted infections can result in premature labour, resulting in the birth of a premature baby. This negatively affects birth weight, hampering the baby’s overall health and development. He may also face breathing difficulties, eating disorders or developmental issues later in life. And the worst, STIs may also spread to the baby’s body.

However, the good news is that with regular sexual health testing, it is possible to track the progress of your pregnancy journey and determine whether you have underlying infections. Also, the healthcare provider can guide you about safe sex practices, preventive measures for STIs and available treatment options. In this way, STIs can be managed properly, thus reducing the risks for both you and the baby.

In this blog, we will be discussing about some of the most common STDs and how do they affect your pregnancy. But, before delving into the topic, you must remember one thing. Do not ever be embarrassed or ashamed if you come positive for any STI. This is a very normal thing just like other ailments and can be managed with proper treatment options. Plus, your doctor’s main objective is not to judge you, but only provide you with the best care.

1. Chlamydia

It is an STI that is caused by bacteria.

• Risks: When left untreated for long, Chlamydia can result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This, in turn, may cause you to develop permanent fertility problems, making it even more difficult for you to conceive. It can also cause premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and miscarriage. However, if the germ passes on to the baby during delivery, he may suffer from eye infections, pneumonia, etc.

• Symptoms: Often, Chlamydia remains symptomless for a long period. Without testing, you may not even know you have the infection. Common symptoms you can expect are abnormal vaginal discharge, pain while urinating, and pelvic pain.

• Diagnosis: A urine test or vaginal swab

Treatment: Antibiotics like azithromycin or amoxicillin are considered safe for use during pregnancy.

2. Gonorrhoea

Similar to Chlamydia, it is also a bacterial STI.

• Risks: Untreated gonorrhoea can result in preterm childbirth and pelvic inflammatory disease. Problems like low birth weight, stillbirth, miscarriages, etc., are also common. In severe cases, the baby can also suffer from pneumonia and gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (a critical eye infection that causes blindness when treatment is delayed).

• Symptoms: Pain while peeing, unusual discharge from the vagina, pelvic pain, sore throat, etc., are common in gonorrhoea.

• Diagnosis: Vaginal swab and urine tests

• Treatments: Antibiotics namely, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, etc., are safe for pregnant mothers.

3. Syphilis

Syphilis is also a bacterial STI that passes through four prominent stages, namely, primary, secondary, latent and tertiary.

• Risks: Untreated cases of syphilis may lead babies to develop the infection during their time of birth. This is called as congenital syphilis, and has symptoms like, bone deformities, hampered growth skin rashes and neural disorders.

• Symptoms: While the above symptoms are common during the initial stage, there may be organ damage and other severe complications with time.

• Diagnosis: For syphilis diagnosis, blood tests are the most beneficial.

• Treatment: Penicillin, an antibiotic is safe to use during pregnancy and can prevent congenital syphilis in newborn babies.

4. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

It is a viral STI and is classified into two main types: HSV-1 (responsible for oral herpes) and HSV-2 (the causative organism for genital herpes).

• Risks: Having an active genital herpes during the time of childbirth may spread the virus to the baby. It can cause skin, eye and even brain infections, too. Hence, leaving herpes infection untreated for long is not allowed.

• Symptoms: Sometimes, there may be painful sores or blisters around the genital area. This is often associated with itching, discomfort and flu-like symptoms.

• Diagnosis: Blood tests and vaginal swabs are the most commonly used tests.

• Treatment: Includes antiviral medicines like acyclovir, valacyclovir, etc., (recommended during the last trimester). You may also require a caesarean delivery if you suffer from sores while going into labour.

5. HIV/AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets the immune system and may result in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not adequately managed.

• Risks: If left untreated, HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, labour, or nursing. It can result in significant health complications, such as developmental issues and a higher chance of contracting infections. It may complicate your ability to sustain a healthy pregnancy.

• Signs: Flu-like signs including fever, throat pain, and tiredness. Symptoms become more severe in the later stages.

• Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) greatly lowers the likelihood of HIV/AIDS transmitting to the infant. It’s essential to begin ART as soon as you can during pregnancy and adhere to the treatment plan diligently. By using effective ART, you can lower the likelihood of the baby contracting HIV to under 1%. A cesarean section might be necessary for you, and your baby could require preventive ART for the initial weeks post-birth.

6. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is a viral disease that leads to genital warts. It is commonly associated with cervical cancer and is considered to be one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections.

• Risks: Usually, HPV does not lead to complications during pregnancy. Some strains can lead to warts in the genital region. These warts might require management during pregnancy to prevent issues during childbirth. HPV is not considered a cause of birth defects, but certain strains can lead to cervical issues and affect reproductive health.

• Signs: Typically absent. Certain strains may result in genital warts or alterations that appear on a Pap test.

• Diagnosis: In certain instances, blood tests. Pap tests do not detect STIs; however, they can identify abnormal cervical cells that may result from HPV.

Prevention and management of STIs

You can reduce your STI risks by using barrier methods like condoms while engaging in sexual activity. Also, it is better to avoid multiple partners (especially unknown) for that increases the risk of contracting STIs.

Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is capable of preventing various strains of the HPV virus. Immunisation is mostly recommended before the time you become sexually active. When you go for sexual health testing, your doctor will help you decide if vaccine is required (after assessing your medical history and other potential factors).

It is better to have an open discussion with the healthcare provider about previous sexual partners, and concerns you had earlier. Also, note the symptoms you are having currently. This will help you with prenatal care and monitor both you and your baby’s health throughout the course of pregnancy.

Your healthcare provider may also suggest check-ups, screenings, and tests to identify and address any additional issues. With early detection, prompt treatment can be initiated, thus reducing the chances of complications.

If your healthcare provider suggests treatment for an STI, it’s essential to adhere to the plan. This aids in eliminating the infection, reduces the chances of transmitting it to the baby, and decreases the likelihood of complications. During your follow-up appointments, your provider will assess the effectiveness of your treatment.

Support for emotional well-being

Receiving an STI diagnosis while pregnant can be daunting and may affect your emotional and mental well-being. Thus, it is crucial to seek assistance in coping with stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation.

Numerous hospitals and clinics provide counselling and mental health support for pregnant women. These services can offer support and direction during your pregnancy. Consulting a mental health expert can also assist you in developing helpful coping strategies.

Community organisations might also offer resources and assistance for individuals coping with STIs. They might offer educational resources, guidance, and assistance to obtain better health.

Last but not least, you can consider participating in a physical or virtual support group to exchange experiences, receive encouragement and guidance, and connect with others who comprehend your situation.

Converse with your partner

Honest and open communication is very essential regarding STDs. And most importantly, share with empathy and understand what the other person has to say. Being a partner, you must focus on the health and safety of the other individual, instead of blaming. Encourage your partner to have testing and treatment, if required.

Feel free to contact your private healthcare provider, local medical departments or sexual health clinics. They will possibly offer affordable STI screenings, sex education, specialist referrals, treatment and other support services to ensure long-term health.

Conclusion

Understanding and knowing the various ways of STI management during pregnancy is very essential. With early tests and treatment, it is possible to reduce the risk of complications that could negatively affect your new-born. Several London-based clinics are available that facilitate effective diagnostic tests for STIs; one of them is London GP Clinic. Visit a private gynaecologist at London GP Clinic today and obtain personalised guidance from reputed global doctors!