If you think you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during pregnancy, you may be worried about your health, your pregnancy, or whether the infection could affect your baby.
Early testing can help identify an infection and allow you to receive appropriate care. Some STIs can be treated during pregnancy, while others require ongoing medical care to help manage the infection and reduce the risk of passing it to your baby.
Women’s Clinic provides confidential STD/STI screening and treatment to help you understand your health and get the care you need. We also provide free pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy details.
Schedule your appointment at our clinic today and keep reading to understand more about STIs and pregnancy.
How Can an STI Affect Your Pregnancy?
STIs can affect your health during pregnancy and may also affect your baby.
Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause complications during pregnancy and may be passed to a baby during delivery, potentially leading to problems such as eye infections, pneumonia, or other serious infections.
HIV and hepatitis B can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy or during birth and may lead to long-term health concerns. Genital herpes can cause serious infection in a newborn if transmitted during delivery. Syphilis can cross the placenta and increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or health problems after birth.
Why Early Testing Matters
You can have an STI without feeling sick or noticing anything unusual. In fact, it is estimated that between 50% and 70% of people who have chlamydia never notice symptoms.
That can make it easy to assume everything is fine, especially during pregnancy, when there are already so many things to think about. But an untreated infection can sometimes lead to more serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
The good news is that finding an infection early allows you to get the care you need. Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, while infections such as HIV and herpes can be managed with ongoing medical care.
If you’re unsure whether you could have an STI, you don’t have to wait for symptoms to appear. Testing can give you answers and help you know whether you need treatment or additional care during your pregnancy.
Get STD/STI Screening and Treatment at Women’s Clinic
You do not have to be embarrassed or afraid to ask about STI testing. Getting tested is an important part of taking care of your health, especially during pregnancy.
Women’s Clinic provides confidential, low-cost STD/STI screening and treatment so you can get answers and understand what steps to take next.
After a positive pregnancy test at our clinic, we may also offer a free limited ultrasound and accurate information about your pregnancy options. Get in touch to make your appointment.
