Pregnancy comes with so many emotions—joy, excitement, nervousness, and sometimes, unexpected worries. One concern that isn’t talked about enough is sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and how they can affect pregnancy and childbirth.
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, you might be wondering:
❓ Can I have a healthy pregnancy if I have an STI?
❓ What happens if an STI goes undiagnosed?
❓ How do I protect myself and my baby?
These are real concerns, and you deserve clear, judgment-free answers. Whether you’re in a committed relationship, dating, or have been with one partner for years, getting informed about STIs is part of taking charge of your health.
This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness, prevention, and making sure you and your baby stay safe and healthy. Let’s talk about it.
The Impact of STIs on Pregnancy and Childbirth
Many women assume STIs won’t affect them, especially if they’re in a stable relationship. But the reality is some infections don’t show symptoms for months (or even years), meaning a woman may have an STI without knowing it. That’s why routine testing is so important—especially when you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.
Here’s what can happen if an STI isn’t detected or treated during pregnancy:
1. Pregnancy Complications
STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can increase the risk of:
Preterm labor (going into labor too early).
Low birth weight (which can lead to health challenges for the baby).
Miscarriage or stillbirth (in severe cases).
2. Passing the Infection to the Baby
Some STIs can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy, delivery, or even through breastfeeding.
HIV can be passed to the baby, but with proper treatment, the risk can be reduced to less than 1%.
Syphilis can lead to congenital syphilis, which can cause developmental problems in newborns.
Herpes can be transmitted during vaginal delivery if the mother has an active outbreak, leading to serious infections in the baby.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can cause eye infections, pneumonia, or other complications in newborns.
3. Maternal Health Risks
For mothers, untreated STIs can lead to:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)—which can cause long-term pain and difficulty conceiving in the future.
Increased Risk of Infections After Birth—especially if delivery involves a C-section or complications.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Baby
The good news? Most STIs are manageable and treatable—if they are caught early. Here’s what you can do to stay ahead and protect your health during pregnancy.
1. Get Tested—Even If You Feel Fine
Many STIs don’t have obvious symptoms, so regular screening is key.
If you’re planning for pregnancy, ask your doctor for a full STI screening before conceiving.
If you’re already pregnant, ask to be tested at your first prenatal appointment (even if your doctor doesn’t bring it up).
If you’ve never been tested before or it’s been a while, don’t be afraid to ask—your health and your baby’s health come first.
🩺 What to Ask Your Doctor:
“Can I have a full STI screening as part of my prenatal tests?”
“What infections are included in standard prenatal testing, and should I request any others?”
“What happens if an STI is detected—how can it be treated safely during pregnancy?”
2. Know Your Partner’s Status
STI testing shouldn’t just be for you—it should be for your partner, too. Even in long-term relationships, it’s possible to have an undiagnosed STI. Having an open conversation about testing before pregnancy helps ensure that both of you are healthy before bringing a baby into the world.
💬 How to Start the Conversation:
“I want to make sure we’re both in the best health before the baby arrives—let’s get tested together.”
“Did you know some STIs don’t show symptoms for years? Let’s both check just to be sure.”
If your partner is hesitant, remind them it’s about protecting the baby, not about trust or blame.
3. Prevent Re-Infection During Pregnancy
If you’ve already been treated for an STI, you want to make sure you don’t get re-infected during pregnancy. Here’s how:
✔️ Use protection (condoms or dental dams) during sex if your partner hasn’t been recently tested.
✔️ Have open, honest conversations with your partner about sexual health.
✔️ Get re-tested later in pregnancy if recommended by your doctor, especially if you or your partner are at risk of exposure.
4. Advocate for Your Care
Some women hesitate to ask for STI tests due to stigma or fear of judgment. But remember, your doctor’s job is to support your health, not to judge you.
If a healthcare provider dismisses your concerns, stand firm:
🚫 “I don’t need that test.” → “I would like to have a full screening anyway, just to be safe.”
🚫 “STIs aren’t a concern for you.” → “I’d still prefer to be tested. It’s important to me.”
You deserve care that prioritizes your well-being.
What Happens If You Test Positive?
First, don’t panic. Finding out you have an STI during pregnancy can feel scary, but most infections can be treated safely to protect both you and your baby.
💊 Treatment Options:
Bacterial STIs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Bacterial Vaginosis) → Treated with antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy.
Viral STIs (HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis B) → Managed with antiviral medications to reduce risk of transmission.
🩺 Next Steps:
Start treatment immediately—this helps lower risks for both you and your baby.
Follow up with your doctor to monitor your health throughout pregnancy.
Make a birth plan—some STIs, like herpes or HIV, may affect whether vaginal delivery or C-section is safest.
Most importantly, know that having an STI does NOT mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy and baby. With the right care, thousands of women successfully manage STIs during pregnancy and give birth to healthy babies every year.
Final Thoughts: Your Health is Power
Pregnancy is a time to focus on your health—not just for your baby, but for you, too. Taking charge of your sexual health is not something to feel embarrassed about—it’s something to be proud of.
You deserve judgment-free healthcare, access to testing, and clear information so that you can make the best choices for yourself and your baby.
So, take that step: ask for the tests, have the conversations, and advocate for your care. Because when you put your health first, you’re already being the best mother you can be. 💛