If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you may have questions about how it could affect your baby. Certain infections can be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding, but early testing and treatment can reduce the risk.
Woman to Woman Health Center provides STD/STI basic testing and other essential medical screening at no charge during pregnancy if you are not under a doctor’s care. If you think you may have been exposed to an STI or are unsure of your status, early testing can help identify infections and guide next steps for care.
Contact us today to learn more.
Can STDs Be Passed to a Baby During Pregnancy or Birth?
Yes. Some STDs can be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, or even breastfeeding. Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, HIV, and syphilis may affect both maternal and infant health.
In pregnancy, untreated STDs can lead to complications such as early labor before 37 weeks, which increases the risk of infant death or long-term developmental challenges. In some cases, infection can develop in the uterus after delivery.
Transmission can also happen in different ways depending on the infection. Syphilis may cross the placenta during pregnancy, infecting the baby before birth. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes may be passed to the baby during delivery as the infant moves through the birth canal. HIV can cross the placenta or be transmitted during childbirth.
Which STDs Can Be Passed Through Breastfeeding?
Whether it is safe to breastfeed with an STD depends on the specific infection:
- HIV: Breastfeeding is not recommended because the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.
- Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV: Breastfeeding is generally considered safe.
- Trichomoniasis: Breastfeeding is typically safe, but if you take metronidazole, you may need to wait 12–24 hours before breastfeeding.
- Syphilis or herpes: Breastfeeding may be safe if there are no sores on the breast. If lesions are present, milk from the affected side should be pumped out and discarded until the lesions heal.
Woman to Woman Health Center Can Help
While some STDs can be passed to a baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, timely testing and appropriate treatment can greatly reduce risks.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have concerns about STD exposure, Woman to Woman Health Center provides STD/STI basic testing and other essential medical screening at no charge. More extensive testing and a comprehensive exam can be provided for a low fee. Contact us today for a free consultation, because you’re worth it.