Sexually Transmitted Infections
in Pregnancy

• Pregnant women can become infected with the same sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as non-pregnant women.

• The effects of STIs can be a lot more serious for pregnant women since they can affect the baby.

• The only way to know is to be tested; many people do not experience any signs and symptoms and are not aware that they are infected.

• Others may experience symptoms such as: discharge, burning during urination, lower stomach pain, sores or rash on genitals, bumps or pain with sexual intercourse. 

• STIs can be passed from the pregnant woman to the baby before, during, or after the baby’s birth.

• Some STIs cross the placenta and infect the unborn baby during its development.

• Other STIs are passed to the infant during birth as it passes through the birth canal.

• Harmful effects on the baby may include eye infections, low birth weight, pneumonia infection in the baby’s blood, brain damage, blindness, deafness, greater chance of miscarriage or stillbirth (a baby that is born dead).

• If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about getting tested for STIs.

• Usually your doctor will test you for STIs during your prenatal visits.

• It is very important to attend all of your prenatal visits.

• Using a condom every time you have sex is highly effective in preventing HIV infections and reducing the risk of infection with gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and other STIs.