Learning you are pregnant often comes with many questions—especially if you’re worried about sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs/STIs). Some STDs/STIs can spread to your baby during pregnancy or delivery, but testing and treatment can significantly lower transmission risk and protect your health.
If you haven’t been tested yet, now is a good time to start. Schedule a free appointment at Brazos Pregnancy Center today.
Has Your Partner Been Checked for STIs/STDs?
When an STD is diagnosed, you may wonder where it came from or if you spread it.
After a positive result, your partner should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection. You can be infected by the same STD more than once.
Types of STIs/STDs and Treatment During Pregnancy
The treatment you need depends on whether the infection is bacterial or viral:
- Bacterial STIs/STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can usually be cured with antibiotics. Syphilis can pass to your baby at any point in pregnancy, while gonorrhea and chlamydia can spread during birth.
- Viral STIs/STDs like herpes, HIV, and hepatitis cannot be cured, but antiviral medications can help reduce symptoms and the chances of passing them to your child. In some situations, your OB-GYN may recommend a C-section to lower transmission risk.
Why Early Testing Is Key
Many STIs/STDs do not cause noticeable symptoms at first, which means you could be infected without realizing it. Testing early in pregnancy allows for timely treatment and close monitoring, reducing complications such as premature labor, low birth weight, infections in your newborn, and others.
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
Protecting your health during pregnancy is vital for you and your developing baby.
Along with receiving proper medical care, prevention is important for your future health. Choosing abstinence or a committed monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the most effective way to prevent STIs/STDs going forward.
Brazos Pregnancy Center Is Here for You
At Brazos Pregnancy Center, we provide no-cost pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STI testing. If more extensive testing is needed, we can connect you with trusted medical referrals so you get the care you need.
Your health and your child’s health matter. Take a step toward STI testing today by scheduling a confidential, no-cost appointment at Brazos Pregnancy Center in Granbury.