STD’s and Pregnancy and a complicated situation than a normal STD. It is a condition that can be challenging both for mother and child. For all those who prefer unsafe sex, especially with strangers can result in Sexually transmitted diseases. The cause of the sexually transmitted disease is bacteria and viruses that can be spread through contact with the infected bodies. It is often passed when coming in contact with an infected person’s fluids like semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. In the case of pregnancy, and STD things can be really complicated for both the mother and baby. In order to take necessary action to prevent it is very important to understand how these infections affect unborn babies.
The most important step for a mother of an unborn child is to protect herself against STDs during pregnancy. Unprotected sex with multiple partners and in that someone who’s been diagnosed with an STD makes it even more likely that you could contract one too.
Being loyal to your partner is one best alternative to stay away from STDs. In case your profession does not allow this getting tested regularly before getting pregnant will help ensure that any infection can be treated on time before it affects the unborn child.
Types of STDs
Before we come to diagnosis and prevention it is very important to know the different types of STDs. Some common types of STDs include Human papillomavirus, HIV, Herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, etc. Let’s know them in a little detail.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases that can lead to genital warts or several types of cancer. It is spread when the skin of an infected person comes in contact with other during sexual activity.
HPV infection can increase the risk of miscarriages, preterm labor and delivery, stillbirths, and even birth defects in new born babies. To protect against HPV during pregnancy, it’s important to get vaccinated before becoming pregnant specifically for women who are associated with the porn industry.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and can lead to death caused by AIDS if left untreated. HIV can easily get transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth. To avoid babies born with HIV there are certain medical treatments available. They can help reduce the risk of transmission significantly when taken regularly throughout pregnancy.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a viral infection that causes sores on or around the genitals or mouth area known as herpes lesions. HSV can be passed when a person comes in contact with saliva, or other bodily fluids like the blood or tears of an infected person.
If contracted by an expectant mother late in her pregnancy it could affect her unborn child. Hence testing prior to conception will help identify any potential risks of an early hand treatment.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused that affects both men and women equally when having unprotected sex with an infected partner(s). It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Such STDs are very dangerous as they show no early symptoms in patients until medical diagnosis.
They are not that harmful and can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated can cause serious health complications including infertility issues down the road for both men & women.
Gonorrhea is another bacterial STD caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Such batteries can often be found in the urethra, rectum or throat. In females, it can also infect the cervix. Gonorrhea is most commonly spread during vaginal, oral or anal sex.
STD risk during pregnancy
Treating STDs during pregnancy is important for both mother and the unborn baby. Identification of STDs at an early stage when pregnant can be treated with antibiotics or other medications to reduce the risk of complications.
However, some intense STDs may require hospitalization and delivery via caesarean section if deemed necessary by the medical team.
The potential effects of an STD on newborn babies may range from serious birth defects to long-term disabilities due to exposure in utero. Untreated syphilis can cause heart problems, mental retardation, deafness, seizures or even death in babies born with this infection.
In a case where an unborn baby gets infected with HIV or herpes may suffer from severe brain damage or organ problems including liver, kidney failure, or vision loss.
In addition to these risks posed directly to the fetus itself, certain STDs present risks during labor and delivery depending upon their severity level. For example, Bacterial Vaginosis can cause preterm deliveries which could result in underdeveloped lungs causing breathing difficulties for newborns.
Whereas untreated Chlamydia/Gonorrhea infections have been associated with an increased likelihood of having Cesarean sections done giving causing premature birth.
Preventing STDs during pregnancy
Condom alone won’t help prevent STDs. Contact of skin, and exchange of infected person saliva, tears or blood while having sex can also cause STDs. To avoid STDs best way is to avoid having sex with strangers.
In cases where a pregnant woman tends to have sex with multiple people, getting regular testing for STDs before and throughout pregnancy is very important. This will help detect any early infection signs so appropriate treatment can begin quickly reducing the health risks for both the mother and the new-born.
In some cases, sexually transmitted diseases may remain dormant or undetected without routine screening tests. Hence it is important for women to get tested even before getting pregnant.
Test and treatment
Depending on the symptoms and notable cause the test for STDs includes blood or urine sample, swabbing of genital areas, or even cultures of secretions from the vagina or penis. It’s also important to note that different testing methods may be recommended based on specific sexual behavior and other risk factors such as multiple partners, age, etc.
Once an infection has been identified it can be treated with prescribed medicine, OTC meds, or surgery in severe cases. In the case of bacterial infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia, antibiotics may work best. While in the case of HIV and herpes simplex virus, antiviral drugs may be suggested.
In order to get an early diagnosis and the best treatment it is always better, to be honest, and loyal to the health expert. Depending on the underline information provided possible testing methods and best treatment options can be suggested in order to keep the mother and unborn baby healthy.
