Learning you’re pregnant often comes with a long list of appointments and health recommendations. One of these will likely be STI testing. Even if you feel healthy, getting tested can help protect both your health and your baby’s.
Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t cause noticeable symptoms, so it’s possible to have one without realizing it. Early testing and treatment can make a meaningful difference during pregnancy.
At Brazos Pregnancy Center, we provide free, confidential support as you navigate your pregnancy. If you have questions about STIs or your pregnancy, we’re here to help and can connect you with trusted community resources. Schedule your appointment today.
Some STIs Can Be Passed to Your Baby
Certain bacterial and viral STIs can be transmitted during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Depending on the infection, this may increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
Untreated STIs have been associated with complications such as:
- Preterm labor or premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Eye or lung infections in newborns
- Congenital syphilis
- Increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth in some cases
The good news is that many bacterial STIs can be treated during pregnancy, and viral infections can often be managed to help reduce the risk of transmission.
You May Not Know You Have an STI
One of the reasons STI testing is routinely recommended during pregnancy is that many infections don’t cause obvious symptoms.
You may not notice anything unusual, yet an infection could still be present. That’s why healthcare providers often recommend screening even if you feel completely healthy.
However, if you do have symptoms, here are some that may seem familiar:
- Painful or burning urination
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes (particularly in the groin)
- Sores or bumps on the genitals
- Fever
Identifying an infection early allows your provider to recommend treatment or management strategies that support both your health and your baby’s development.
Prenatal Care Helps Protect You Both
If testing identifies an STI, your healthcare provider can discuss the most appropriate treatment or monitoring plan for your pregnancy. Depending on the infection, this may include medication, additional prenatal monitoring, or delivery planning to help reduce the risk of transmission to your baby.
The earlier an infection is identified, the more opportunities there are to protect your health and your child’s.
We’re Here to Support You
Pregnancy can bring many questions, and you deserve a place where you can ask them without feeling judged.
Brazos Pregnancy Center offers urine tests and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. We also provide blood tests for HIV and syphilis. Our nursing team will meet with you to conduct a health screening, administer testing, and explore your treatment options if needed.
Schedule your free and confidential appointment today.