Finding out you’re pregnant often brings a long list of questions, especially if you’ve recently learned you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or think you might have one. One concern many women share is whether an infection could affect their baby.
The answer depends on the type of STD, when it’s diagnosed, and whether treatment is available. The good news is that many pregnancy-related complications can be reduced or even prevented with early medical care.
If you have questions about your health during pregnancy, Sumter Pregnancy Center is here to help. We provide free, confidential appointments and can refer you for STD testing and medical care when needed.
Contact us to learn more.
Some Infections Can Be Passed to a Baby
Certain STDs can be transmitted during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
For example, bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can often be treated with antibiotics, especially when they’re diagnosed early. Viral infections, including herpes and HIV, cannot be cured, but medical treatment can often lower the risk of passing the infection to your baby.
Receiving prenatal care as early as possible allows healthcare providers to recommend treatment that fits your specific situation.
Many STDs Don’t Cause Symptoms
One reason STD testing is so important is that many infections don’t cause obvious signs.
You may feel healthy and still have an infection without realizing it. Or you may experience symptoms such as a fever, rash, or painful urination and mistake them for another condition. Left untreated, some STDs can increase the risk of complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, or infections in a newborn.
Testing is the only way to know for sure.
Early Treatment Can Make a Difference
If an STD is diagnosed during pregnancy, your healthcare provider can discuss treatment or management options based on the infection involved.
In some cases, medication is enough to treat the infection. In others, careful monitoring or changes to your delivery plan may help reduce the chance of transmission.
The earlier an infection is identified, the more opportunities there are to protect both you and your baby.
Questions About Your Health?
Pregnancy often comes with questions you never expected to ask.
If you’d like to talk about STD concerns, pregnancy, or your next steps, Sumter Pregnancy Center provides free, confidential support and referrals for STD testing. We understand that this can be a sensitive topic, and we’ll always treat your situation with the utmost respect.
Contact us to learn more about our services and available referrals.