Pregnant women can have the same sexually transmitted diseases that occur in non-pregnant women. Pregnancy does not protect the woman or her baby from these diseases. If one of these diseases is infected during pregnancy, a very serious, even life-threatening situation may arise for both the mother and the baby. Women need to be alert to the harmful effects of sexually transmitted diseases and know how to protect themselves and their babies.
Effect of sexually transmitted diseases on pregnant woman and baby
The woman, pregnant or not, faces similar effects. It causes cervical cancer or other cancers. Complications such as chronic hepatitis, PID (inguinal inflammation), infertility may develop. These diseases can also be silent in many women.
Sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby before, during or after birth. Some (like syphilis) cross the placenta and infect the baby inside the womb. Others (gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis-B, genital herpes) are transmitted from mother to baby during birth through the birth canal. HIV is transmitted to the baby by crossing the placenta during pregnancy. Unlike others, it is also transmitted while breastfeeding.
In pregnant women with sexually transmitted diseases, there is a rupture in the membrane surrounding the baby in the uterus. Postpartum, intrauterine infection occurs.
Worst effects of sexually transmitted diseases: stillbirth, low weight baby, conjunctivitis (eye infection), pneumonia (pneumonia), neonatal sepsis (blood infection), neurological disorders, blindness, deafness, acute hepatitis, meningitis, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis.
Many of these are prevented by early prenatal care for the mother. These are laboratory tests for sexually transmitted diseases during early pregnancy and, if necessary, repetition of these tests near birth. If infections are detected during delivery, the patient is treated.
tests
Sexually transmitted diseases affect women of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, cultures and socio-economic levels. Pregnant women should be examined for the following sexually transmitted diseases at their first visit to the doctor:
chlamydia
Gonorrhea
hepatitis B
HIV
Syphilis
In addition, some experts recommend that women who have given premature birth should be investigated for bacterial vaginosis and treated if necessary.
Pregnant women should ask their doctors about tests related to sexually transmitted diseases. Because these tests are not routinely requested by some physicians. Newer and more effective tests are now being done. Even if the woman has been tested in the past, these should be repeated during pregnancy.
Treatment during pregnancy
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis are treated and cured with antibiotics during pregnancy.
Viral ones (genital herpes and HIV) cannot be cured. But antiviral drugs are suitable for herpes and are absolutely necessary for HIV.
If genital herpes is active during delivery, cesarean delivery should be preferred to protect the baby from infection.
Caesarean section may also be preferred in some HIV+ women. Hepatitis B (-) women can be vaccinated against hepatitis B during pregnancy.
Protection
The surest way to protect yourself is to avoid sexual contact. A long-term, non-infected partner proven by tests is also effective in protection.
Condoms reduce the risk of HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly during sexual intercourse. In addition, the risk of transmission of gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomonas, genital herpes, syphilis, HPV is also reduced. HPV-related diseases (such as warts, cervical cancer) are less likely to occur.
