Can babies be born with an STD?

Certain sexually transmitted diseases can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery. These STIs can be passed on if the mother is infected with an STI before or after she gets pregnant.

It is common for many pregnant women not to know they have an STI since most infections don’t cause symptoms. Pregnant women should get tested for STIs as soon as possible. They should also consider asking their sex partner (or sex partners) to get tested as well.

Many STIs can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STI caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and can be passed on to a baby during childbirth. Infection of the baby occurs when the mother has an active Chlamydia infection at the time of delivery, and the baby passes through the infected birth canal. This can result in the baby getting conjunctivitis, which can lead to blindness, as well as pneumonia.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is another common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and can be passed from mother to baby during delivery. If a baby is born with a Gonorrhoea infection, it may develop gonococcal conjunctivitis, which may lead to permanent vision damage.

Having Gonorrhoea during pregnancy can also cause miscarriage, infection of the amniotic fluid, prelabour rupture of the membranes, and preterm birth.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

If the mother has HIV, their baby can be infected in the womb as the virus passes through the placenta. The baby can also contract an HIV infection during delivery (if the baby comes into contact with infected bodily fluids like blood or amniotic fluid) or during breastfeeding.

Having HIV when pregnant has been linked to higher rates of preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Syphilis

Syphilis is another serious STI that can be passed on from mother to baby during pregnancy. A Syphilis infection that is passed from mother to baby is known as congenital Syphilis. The infection is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which can pass through the placenta during pregnancy.

Congenital Syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and death of the baby shortly after birth. Complications from congenital Syphilis in the baby include deformed bones, severe anaemia, enlarged liver or spleen, jaundice, brain and nerve problems, meningitis, and skin rashes.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are serious viral infections that can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, about 9 in 10 pregnant women who are Hepatitis B positive will pass on the virus to their babies. Concordantly, about 4 in 100 women who test positive for Hepatitis C will also pass on the virus during pregnancy.

In the mother, the Hepatitis B virus may cause Hepatitis flares due to immunological changes during pregnancy. In babies, Hepatitis B can cause preterm labour, digestive issues, breathing problems, low birth weight, and developmental delays.

Most pregnancy complications resulting from Hepatitis C result from cirrhosis caused by advanced HCV. These complications include preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and haemorrhaging.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that causes Genital Warts and certain cancers. HPV can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. However, it can also occur during delivery through contact with the placenta, amniotic fluid, or contact with the mother’s Genital Warts. In this way, the baby may also develop Genital Warts.

Infection with HPV during pregnancy has been associated with adverse outcomes such as premature birth, miscarriage, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), abnormalities in the placenta, and fetal growth abnormalities.

Having Genital Warts may complicate delivery further if the mother’s warts are big enough to obstruct the birth canal. The virus can also be spread through contact with an infected mother’s skin, with her genital area during birth, or through breastfeeding.

Herpes Simplex Virus

The Herpes Simplex Virus family has two types: HSV 1 (Oral Herpes) and HSV 2 (Genital Herpes). While a new-born can be infected with either, most are infected with HSV 2. Infection of the new-born may occur during pregnancy or after delivery, though the risk of the infant contracting the virus is first acquired near the time of delivery.

The new-born can be very badly affected by an HSV 2 infection, especially if the virus is contracted during the third trimester. Neonatal Herpes can lead to serious complications, including brain damage, blindness, and even death of the baby.

Trichomonas

The sexually transmitted parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, can be contracted by the baby during delivery if the mother has an active Trichomonas infection in their genitals. A Trichomonas infection during pregnancy can cause an increased risk of water breaking and premature birth.

In the baby, a Trichomonas infection can cause low birth weight, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.

Some STIs can be cured. For example, bacterial STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can be fully cured with a short course of antibiotics.

Other STIs, such as those caused by viruses like HIV, infected person permanently. However, treatments for these STIs can help mitigate the risks both to the mother and baby, making long and healthy lives for both possible.

If you are pregnant and have an STI, it is important to get tested and treated right away.

Call the number above to speak to one of Better2Know’s Sexual Health Advisors. They can help you choose an STI test and STI testing clinic that’s right for you.