Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are often linked to health problems in adults, but did you know that they can also happen to babies? It may seem strange to say, “Can you be born with an STD?” but the truth is, yes. During pregnancy, labor, or birth, many STDs can be passed from mother to child. If this isn’t fixed right away, it could cause the baby to have major health problems.
Let’s walk through how pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are connected and what expecting parents should know.
Can an Infant Be Born with an STD?
Babies can be born with an STD, yes. This is called a congenital STD, which means the infection was there when the person was born. When a mother has an active STD while she is pregnant or giving birth, the infection is usually passed to the baby.
A few STDs can get through the placenta, but not all of them can. Some may do so through the birth canal or by touching the mother while she is giving birth. The risks are greater if the STD is not found or handled.
What STDs Can Be Passed to a Baby During Pregnancy?
In the belly or during birth, many STDs can be passed on to kids. Most of the time, these happen:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and C
- Genital Herpes (HSV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Trichomoniasis
The impact of STDs on pregnancy varies depending on the infection type, stage of pregnancy, and whether treatment is provided. Some illnesses can cause a loss, stillbirth, or labor to start early, while others can give the baby problems for the whole life.
Can HIV Be Transmitted to a Baby During Pregnancy or Birth?
Yes. HIV can be passed from mother to child while she is pregnant, giving birth, or even while breastfeeding. However, this risk can be cut down significantly with the right medical care. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can cut the chances of passing the virus from mother to child to less than 1%.
The baby is much less likely to get sick if the mother’s virus load is kept under control and the baby is given medicine to protect them after birth.
How Can I Prevent Passing an STD to My Baby During Pregnancy?
Early testing and treatment are the best way to keep your baby from getting an STD. If you want to get pregnant or are already pregnant:
- Get an STD test at your first pregnancy visit.
- Do what your doctor tells you, and take all of your medicines as directed.
- During pregnancy, don’t do sexual things that could put you at risk.
- Tell your partner so that if you both need it, you can get treatment.
- If you don’t know if your partner has an STD, use condoms.
Prevention of STDs in pregnancy starts with awareness. If you catch many illnesses early, you can treat them safely while you’re pregnant.
What Are the Signs of STDs in Newborns?
Babies born with STDs may have signs right away or after a few weeks. Watch out for these signs:
- Eye infections or discharge
- Pneumonia-like symptoms
- Skin rashes or blisters
- Low birth weight
- Jaundice
- Fever or irritability
- Developmental delays
- Seizures or poor feeding
The STDs that affect babies can lead to long-term complications if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
What Should I Do If I'm Pregnant and Have an STD?
First and foremost, don’t freak out. A lot of STDs can be treated while you are pregnant. The important thing is to be honest with your doctor. They will help you find safe ways to get better. Your doctor can keep a close eye on both your health and the growth of your baby if you get regular pregnancy care.
If medicines can help treat the problem, make sure you follow the directions to the letter. If you have a viral STD like HIV or herpes, medicines can help control the virus and lower the chance that you will give it to your child.
Can STDs Be Treated in Babies?
Yes, babies can get treatment for many STDs. As soon as an infection is found, doctors generally start treatment. If you have a viral STD like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia, you can treat it with antibiotics. People with HIV or HPV may be given antiviral drugs.
Some problems may still happen, though, even after treatment. So, it’s important to pay attention to how STDs affect infants. Getting caught early is the best protection.
Can Herpes Be Transmitted During Childbirth?
Of course. If the mother has open sores at the time of birth and gives birth vaginally, she is more likely to pass on herpes. This could cause newborn herpes, a dangerous infection that could harm the baby’s brain, lungs, or other parts of the body.
To prevent STD transmission during childbirth, a C-section may be recommended if there are visible herpes lesions. Antiviral drugs are also often given to pregnant women in their last few weeks to lower the risk of an outbreak.
What Is the Risk of My Baby Getting Chlamydia or Gonorrhea During Birth?
During a vaginal birth, both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be passed to the baby. If you don’t treat these diseases, they can lead to eye infections, asthma, or even blindness.
Antibiotic eye drops are often given to newborns at birth to keep them from getting infections. If the mother tests positive for these STDs during pregnancy, doctors will treat her right away to reduce the risk.
So, can you be born with an STD? Yes, and diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea that aren’t handled during labor can be dangerous.
How Do Doctors Manage the Risk of STDs During Labor and Delivery?
To control and lower the risk of STD transmission during childbirth, healthcare workers must follow strict rules:
- Testing mothers early and throughout pregnancy.
- Giving therapy at the right time.
- Giving C-sections when they’re needed.
- Giving medicines to babies to keep them healthy.
- Closely watching babies after they are born.
By taking action, you can greatly reduce the impact of STDs on pregnancy and babies.
Wrapping It All Up for Can you be Born with an STD?
STDs don’t just affect one person’s health; they also affect people who will come after them. Can you be born with an STD? Yes, and if you don’t do anything about it, the effects could change your whole life.
Being aware, getting tested early, having honest talks, and getting the right medical care can help protect both the mother and the baby. If you’re pregnant, hoping to have a baby, or just interested, knowing about STDs during pregnancy and how they can affect the baby can help you make better decisions.
For all of your sexual and pregnancy health needs, Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena is here to help you in a caring and private way. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Come in today for an STD test or assessment if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.
Book your visit with us now to protect your future.
