Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), as the name suggests, are infections which are spread by sexual contact amongst sexually active people. They are commonly seen in general population, but not so frequently during pregnancy. STI are caused by microorganisms like bacteria, parasites and viruses. While most of the infections caused by bacteria and parasites can be cured, the infections caused due to viruses are difficult to be treated. These organisms can pass through body fluids like semen, blood or genital secretions. Common STI found are gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, hepatitis B and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (HIV). In this article, Dr. Sunitha Mahesh, Medical Director & Senior Consultant- Feto Maternal Medicine, Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital, JP Nagar, Bangalore explains about the risk of STI during pregnancy and how it can be prevented to secure health of mother, father and also the unborn baby who can potentially carry the infection and be born with it.
STI and Pregnancy
STI symptoms in women may not exhibit any warning symptoms or the woman may not feel sick as a result of this infection. This is something to worry about as without symptoms, it becomes difficult to find out about this problem that can escalate to their partners. They might not even be aware of it until they or their partner face complications.
Top Stories
-1751352905978.jpg)
-1751527287915.png)
- Untreated STI can remain infectious in the body and can be passed on to sexual partners and sometimes even to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
- During pregnancy or while planning the family, it is recommended to test for STI.
- If found to be positive, it is necessary to consult a doctor to get treated adequately and to prevent transmission to the fetus.
- STI can have serious effects on the baby and can cause multi organ problems to the mother. Early treatment reduces this risk. Treatment can be initiated as soon as diagnosis is established.
Effect of STI During Pregnancy
Sexually transmitted infections in women can cause a long-term impact on woman’s health. Besides, this can also increase the risk of transmission of the same to the partner and the baby. Here are some complications that a woman may have to suffer if diagnosed with STI.
- STI can affect the ability of a woman to get pregnant.
- Some of the common symptoms observed are pain during urinating or while having sex, unusual discharge from vagina and also sometimes unusual vaginal bleeding is experienced.
- However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean that one has a STI, but should definitely consult a doctor.
- Infection due to STI during pregnancy can pose serious health risk to the child.
- It can result in premature birth of child which can lead to various other problems like low birth weight, illness or a prolonged health issues.
- It can sometimes also lead to birth defects and in worst case lead to death of the newborn.
- While STI like Syphilis and HIV infect the baby in mother’s womb; Chlamydia and Genital Herpes are likely to cause infection during the time of delivery.
Tips to avoid STI during Pregnancy
There are various hygienic sex practices one can adopt in order to stay away from STI, especially during pregnancy. Using condoms during penetrative sex or dental dams during oral sex can help avoid STI. Having more than one sexual partner is a major reason for STI, and avoiding multiple sex partners can help prevent STI to a large extent. One can also say safe by not having sex with a partner who can potentially be infected. There are vaccinations available for STI like Hepatitis B, HPV, etc. Getting vaccinated for such diseases can also prevent infections.
Summing Up
It is possible for women with STI to have a safe pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. If diagnosed with an STI during pregnancy, treating and managing it well can reduce the risk, but if left untreated it can cause serious health issues to mother as well as child. Be safe and follow precautions as advised.
Image credits- freepik