If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it’s natural to wonder how it might affect your baby.
At The Center for Women, we understand how important your peace of mind and your baby’s health are. If you’re unsure of your status or think you might have been exposed, schedule an STD test with us today. Early testing and treatment can protect both you and your child.
Can I Pass My STD to My Baby During Pregnancy or Birth?
Yes, some STDs can pass from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or even during breastfeeding. Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, HIV, and syphilis can have an impact on both the mother’s and the baby’s health.
Having an STD during pregnancy can lead to:
- Premature labor (before 37 weeks), increases the risk of infant death or long-term developmental issues.
- Infection in the uterus after giving birth.
Some STDs, like syphilis, can cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the baby in the womb. Others, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes, can be passed as the baby moves through the birth canal. HIV can cross the placenta and infect the baby during delivery.
Can I Pass My STD to My Baby During Breastfeeding?
Some STDs affect breastfeeding while others do not. General recommendations include:
- HIV: Do not breastfeed, as HIV can pass to your baby through your breast milk.
- Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HPV: It is safe to breastfeed.
- Trichomoniasis: You can breastfeed, but you may need to wait 12–24 hours after taking metronidazole.
- Syphilis or Herpes: Breastfeeding is safe only if there are no sores on your breast. Pump and discard milk from affected breasts until healed.
Conclusion
Some STDs can be passed to your child, but proper care and early testing can greatly reduce the risk to you and your baby. If you need STD testing or guidance for protecting and caring for your baby, contact The Center for Women today.