Pregnancy is a very sensitive period in a woman’s life. Infections and health issues that affect her during pregnancy can affect the baby too. What about STIs? Can they affect the pregnancy or the baby? How does one handle such infections during pregnancy?
STI – Sexually Transmitted Infection refers to a group of infections that pass on from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs can be bacterial, fungal, viral or even parasites. The symptoms and impact can vary from infection to infection and from person to person, depending on their immunity.
Most STIs have effective treatments and are completely curable. For STIs that are not completely curable, medications can help manage the symptoms and reduce the impact of the infection on overall health.
Unprotected sex can lead to such infections in both partners, but one may show symptoms, and the other may not have any obvious symptoms.
Some of the common sexually transmitted infections that can affect pregnancy are:
● Chlamydia
● Gonorrhea
● Syphilis
● Genital herpes
● Human papillomavirus (HPV)
● Hepatitis B (HPB)
● Hepatitis C (HCV)
● HIV/AIDS
● Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Not all STIs have obvious symptoms. Some STIs are asymptomatic; the only way to know about them is through a screening test. Some common symptoms of STIs are:
● Itching in and around the vaginal area
● Change in colour, consistency, or odour of vaginal discharge
● Vaginal bleeding that is not implantation bleeding
● Sores, lumps, rashes, blisters or warts around the genital area
● Pain during or after sexual intercourse
● The lower abdomen or the pelvic area feels heavy and uncomfortable
● Fever, fatigue, weight loss or diarrhoea.
Most doctors will prescribe a screening test along with other prenatal tests (routine blood and urine tests). These screening tests will help identify STIs and other infections, if any, as soon as possible. In case of symptoms, a fluid sample will be collected for further analysis.
If you test positive for any STI, it is important to test your partner as well. If they also test positive for the infection, they should undergo treatment at the earliest.
Sexually Transmitted infections can affect the pregnancy in the following ways:
● Labour can start very early, leading to a preterm delivery.
● It can lead to a miscarriage – loss of pregnancy before completing 20 weeks.
● In some cases, it can even result in a stillbirth – Fetus dies after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
● The membrane around the baby can rupture before the delivery time.
● Infect the uterus after the delivery.
If the mother has an STI during pregnancy, it can impact the baby in the following ways:
● The baby can be born early, leading to long-term health issues or even infant death.
● Low birth weight.
● Some infections can also pass on to the baby during the pregnancy itself or during the delivery.
Early diagnosis and treating STIs during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pregnancy and the impact on the baby. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome will be. In most cases, the doctor will prescribe pregnancy-safe medications to treat the infection and keep the mother safe. These medications can also help prevent the transfer of infection to the baby. In severe cases, a caesarean delivery may be required for the baby’s safety.
● Bacterial STIs – These will respond well to antibiotics.
● Viral STIs – There is no cure for these infections, and antiviral medications can help prevent the transfer of infection to the baby.
● Warts – These will resolve on their own a few weeks post-delivery. So, your doctor might prefer the wait-and-watch approach instead of giving medications during pregnancy.
● HIV – A combination of drugs can help keep you healthy and prevent transmitting the infection to the baby. In case of high levels of HIV in the body, a C-section is the best option to keep the baby safe.
Pregnancy does not offer any immunity against sexually transmitted infections or diseases. Pregnancy can reduce a woman’s immunity, thus making her more prone to infections. Regular screening tests before and during pregnancy can help identify STIs at the earliest; the earlier you start the treatment, the lesser its impact will be.
● STIs like HIV and Syphilis can cross the placental barrier and reach the baby during pregnancy. Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, and genital herpes can be transmitted to the baby during the delivery when the baby passes through the birth canal.
● Screening tests are a part of routine prenatal care. Pregnant women are usually checked for STIs during their blood tests; if needed, further tests will be taken to confirm an infection.
● STIs can be prevented during pregnancy by using protection during sex, being in a monogamous relationship, getting tested before and during pregnancy and avoiding sharing needles. Getting vaccinated against STIs before pregnancy can also help prevent these infections.
● Depending on the type of STI and the impact on your health, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and other treatments if necessary. Treatment options will also vary depending on how far you are in the pregnancy.
