09 Dec How to Ensure a Safe Pregnancy with an STI Diagnosis
Pregnancy is an exciting and joyful time, but if you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you may feel worried and uncertain instead. You may be wondering if your baby will be healthy if you have a STI.
It’s true, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can pose risks during pregnancy. Some STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause complications like preterm birth or low birth weight. Others, like syphilis or HIV, can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or delivery.
Every year in the United States, approximately 6,000-7,000 women infected with HIV/AIDS give birth.¹
It’s important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to protect both yourself and your baby. Regular STI testing, early detection, and proper treatment are all important steps for a healthy pregnancy. If you have a STI diagnosis, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications to help manage and control the infection. It’s crucial to follow the recommended treatment plan and complete the full course of medication to ensure effective results.
Remember, treating the STI not only helps protect your own health, but also your future fertility and well-being of your baby. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can minimize the potential effects on your baby’s growth and development and ensure a safe pregnancy.
Additionally, practicing safe sex, using barrier methods like condoms, can reduce the risk of transmission. It’s also important to discuss your STI status with your partner and ensure they are tested and treated if necessary. By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the chances of passing an STI to your baby and have a healthier pregnancy.
When it comes to your STI status, open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is key. Your doctor is there to support you and provide the best care possible for you and your baby. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or express any concerns you may have. By discussing your STI status with your healthcare provider, she can ensure that appropriate measures are taken to monitor your health and minimize the risk of transmission to your baby. Remember, your healthcare provider is your partner in this journey, and together, you can work towards a safe and healthy pregnancy.
REFERENCES:
-
- American Pregnancy Association. 2023. HIV/AIDS during pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-complications/hiv-aids-during-pregnancy/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20March%20of,pregnancy%20and%20give%20birth%20annually.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC). April 2022. STDs during pregnancy – CDC basic fact sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy.htm
- Photo by Monstera Production: Decorative Cardboard Appliques Of A Virus On A Cell. https://www.pexels.com/photo/decorative-cardboard-appliques-of-virus-on-cell-5841974/