Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a critical public health concern, particularly for pregnant women. If left untreated, these infections can hugely impact maternal health and, more importantly, the wellbeing of the unborn child. Even if an STI was contracted before pregnancy and remained undiagnosed or untreated, it can have severe consequences during pregnancy.
To understand how the STI can affect the mother and the baby during pregnancy, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Chetna Jain, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Sector 14, Gurugram.
When asked if untreated STI can affect the baby, Dr Jain said, “Yes, untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a mother can significantly affect the baby, even if the infection was contracted before pregnancy and was unknown or untreated during pregnancy. STIs, when left undiagnosed or untreated, pose substantial risks to both maternal and foetal health. Depending on the type of STI, it can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, or transmission of the infection to the baby during childbirth.”
Types of STIs and Their Impact on Pregnancy
Several types of STIs can affect pregnancy and potentially harm the baby. Here are the most common ones and their associated risks listed by Dr Jain:
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia often goes undetected due to a lack of symptoms. However, during pregnancy, untreated chlamydia increases the risk of:
- Preterm labour
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage
According to Dr Jain, “Babies born to mothers with untreated chlamydia may contract the infection during delivery, resulting in neonatal complications such as eye infections, pneumonia, or even neonatal sepsis.”
2. Gonorrhoea
Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to similar complications, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Babies exposed to gonorrhoea during childbirth may develop severe eye infections, potentially leading to blindness or even systemic infections like sepsis.
3. Syphilis
Syphilis is particularly concerning as it can cross the placenta and affect the baby directly, increasing the risk of stillbirth or premature birth. Congenital syphilis, which Dr Jain says, may cause developmental delays, neurological issues, or severe birth defects such as bone deformities.
4. HIV
HIV can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or breastfeeding. If untreated, it can lead to developmental delays, a weakened immune system, and life-threatening infections in the baby.
5. Herpes (HSV)
“Genital herpes is another infection that poses a risk to the baby, particularly during delivery if the mother has an active outbreak,” Dr Jain explained. Neonatal herpes can result in:
- Brain damage.
- Blindness.
- Death in severe cases.
6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus does not affect the baby directly. However, Dr Jain said that in rare cases, exposure during delivery can lead to laryngeal papillomatosis, where warts develop in the baby’s throat, causing breathing difficulties.
Also read: How Are STDs Different From STIs: Confidential Screening And Testing Options In India
Risks to the Baby
Untreated STIs can lead to several complications for the baby, including:
1. Preterm Labour and Low Birth Weight
According to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea in a pregnant woman can trigger inflammation, increasing the risk of premature delivery. Dr Jain said, “Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight often face challenges such as respiratory problems and developmental delays.”
2. Neonatal Infections
Many STIs can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth, leading to infections that range from mild (e.g., conjunctivitis) to severe (e.g., pneumonia, sepsis, or brain infections).
3. Congenital Disabilities and Developmental Delays
STIs like syphilis can cause severe congenital defects, including neurological issues, bone deformities, and developmental delays.
4. Stillbirth
Dr Jain noted, “Infections such as untreated syphilis or HIV can increase the risk of stillbirth due to their impact on foetal development and the placenta.”
Also read: Only Condoms Can’t Protect You From STIs, Here Are 6 Things That Can help
Prevention and Treatment
Timely detection and treatment of STIs during pregnancy are crucial to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of complications for the baby.
1. Regular Prenatal Screening
Dr Jain recommended, “Prenatal care should include regular screening for STIs. Open communication about past or current infections with healthcare providers is essential, even if symptoms are absent.”
2. Antibiotic or Antiviral Treatments
Many bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can be effectively treated with doctor-recommended antibiotics. Antiviral medications can help manage conditions like herpes and reduce the risk of transmission. Dr Jain emphasised that any medication taken during pregnancy should only and only be prescribed by a doctor.
3. Cesarean Delivery
In cases where the mother has an active herpes outbreak or other high-risk infections, a cesarean section may be recommended to prevent exposure during delivery.
4. Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV
Antiretroviral treatment for HIV-positive mothers can lower the viral load and significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.
Conclusion
Untreated STIs during pregnancy pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby, including preterm labour, low birth weight, congenital disabilities, neonatal infections, and stillbirth. Emphasising the importance of early detection and intervention, Dr Jain concluded, “The impact of an STI on a baby can vary based on the type of infection, its severity, the gestational age of the pregnancy, and the timing of treatment, if it occurs at all. Early detection and timely management are vital to protecting maternal and fetal health.”
By prioritising prenatal care, regular screening, and treatment, many of these risks can be reduced, ensuring a healthier life for both mother and child.