Pregnancy STD Test

STDs can cause various health complications for both you and your baby. That is why several labs offer early tests for chlamydia and syphilis during pregnancy. If you possess certain risk factors, you may have to undergo another pregnancy STD test in the later pregnancy stages. Women under the age of 25 or those who live in a region with a high rate of gonorrhea may undergo a pregnancy STD test for gonorrhea.

Both the mother and the baby can be subjected to high risks with STD. A mother who has an STD is likely to transmit the disease to the newborn while giving birth. If you have STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, and genital herpes, the birth canal may be infected, and when the baby passes through it during delivery, it is possible to pass on the infection. Other STDs like HIV, syphilis, and CMV can infect the baby before birth. So, it is always best to undergo STD testing during pregnancy to keep both you and your baby on the safe side.

The earlier the pregnancy STD test is done, the better chance both you and your baby can fight off the infection. It is important to know that not every STD is curable, but many treatments can protect you and your baby from the worst. If the risk is high, your healthcare provider may recommend a cesarean delivery instead of vaginal birth. If a baby is delivered without knowing the mother has chlamydia or gonorrhea, the infant may have regular eye examinations and get antibiotic treatments to prevent blindness caused by such STDs.