Can I Pass My STD to My Child?
If you’ve found out you are pregnant and think you could have an STD, you may have concerns about whether or not you could pass this STD to your child.
STDs can be passed to your child during pregnancy and birth and can lead to health complications if left untreated. Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic provides free STD testing for both women and men, as well as pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm how your pregnancy is developing.
Schedule your confidential appointment at our clinic.
How STDs Affect Pregnancy
Every STD can affect your pregnancy differently; some can be resolved with early testing and treatment, while others can be managed with medication to reduce their risks.
Some STDs that can affect pregnancy include:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea – Gonorrhea has a risk of being transmitted to newborns during delivery and can cause complications. Chlamydia can also cause risks such as eye infections, pneumonia, and sepsis during birth.
- HIV – This can be transmitted during labor, pregnancy, and delivery. Consistent Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce the risk of transmission dramatically.
- Hepatitis B – This can be prevented with vaccines, and up to 90% of infants born to an infected parent may become infected. If there is an active infection, there are treatments that can help control the virus. Preventative shots can also be given to the baby at birth.
- Genital herpes – This is a lifelong viral infection. If active lesions are present before birth, your healthcare provider may suggest a cesarean to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Syphilis – A bacterial infection that can cross the placenta during pregnancy and lead to serious risks such as a stillbirth, miscarriage, or long-term health issues. Up to 40% of babies born to people with untreated syphilis die from the infection. Luckily, syphilis can be treated early on with antibiotics.
Why Early Testing Is Important
Many STDs do not cause obvious symptoms, which is why early testing and treatment can help protect both your health and your pregnancy. If left untreated, they can cause more serious infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease,
STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be treated promptly with antibiotics. Others, including HIV and herpes, cannot be cured but can be managed with ongoing medical care.
If you think you may have an STD, getting tested can help you understand your health and determine whether additional medical care is needed.
Schedule an STD Test at Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic
Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic offers no-cost, confidential STD testing for both women and men. If you’re concerned about a possible STD, we’re here to provide testing and answer questions about what to expect.
If you’re also concerned about a possible pregnancy, a pregnancy test and an ultrasound can provide additional information. We are here to answer any questions and inform you about your options.
Contact us today to schedule your confidential STD test.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
