Sexually Transmitted Diseases during Pregnancy

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs can be really harmful for you and your unborn child no matter whether you have been infected with these before or during pregnancy. Read on to learn the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and how these diseases can prove risky during pregnancy. Sexually transmitted diseases, which are usually known as STDs, spread when one has sex with the infected person. However, these diseases are serious and they require treatment no matter whether you are pregnant or not. The risk definitely increases when you are pregnant because most of these would infect your unborn child also. Your doctor will take necessary tests to find out whether you are infected with any of the virus or not during your first prenatal visit. But if you have sex with someone infected after that visit you will have to go through more tests. For this, you should be aware of the symptoms of STDs and which of them are curable. In this articleSymptoms of STDs How can STDs affect pregnancy?HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)Hepatitis BChlamydiaHerpesGonorrheaTrichomoniasisSyphilisSymptoms of STDs Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, but if there are, they would beSkin rash with pain or without itSores or warts near the opening of vagina or anusWeight loss Loose stoolNight sweatsSwelling or redness near vaginaDischarge from the vaginaBleeding from vagina apart from that during monthly periodPainful urinationAches, fever and chillsSevere itching near vaginaDiscolouring of the skinHow can STDs affect pregnancy? STDs can be really harmful not only for you, but for your developing baby also. HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) This is one of the non-curable STDs, but science has developed to prevent it from getting transmitted to the unborn. It is almost preventable, but if it gets passed on to the baby, results would be disastrous. Hepatitis B This disease can damage the liver of the mother to any extent and if the child is not treated within an hour of birth, he will be the carrier of Hepatitis B for life. There is no cure for this disease but it can be prevented by vaccination. Chlamydia Women infected with this disease carry risks of preterm delivery and miscarriage. If the newborn gets exposed, it might have severe eye infection. However, it can be treated to prevent it from affecting the developing child. Herpes Herpes is a disease which is not highly infectious until the time of delivery. This is the reason why most women with herpes have cesarean section to prevent the disease from getting transmitted to the child. Herpes are not curable, but they can be treated to save the child from getting infected. Gonorrhea This is one of the most common STDs and an infected pregnant woman is more likely to deliver the child prematurely or goes through the risks of miscarriage. If the child is born infected, it can develop blindness, joint infection or blood infection that could be life threatening. Trichomoniasis This is an infection that may cause pain during sex or when urinating. It contains risks of premature birth or low birth weight. It can be cured if diagnosed on time. Syphilis Syphilis carries the risk of miscarriage for the mother and stillbirth and mental and physical problems in the newborn, if infected. However, there are antibiotics that can be given to prevent the baby from getting infected. If you suspect any of the symptoms especially when you are pregnant, it is advisable to consult your doctor for that. Immediate treatment is the only and best way to protect you and your baby. What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases? How can sexually transmitted diseases prove risky for pregnant women? How to prevent sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy? Discuss here.