Finding out you are pregnant can bring many emotions and questions—especially if you are concerned about having a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some STDs can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery, but with testing and treatment, these risks can be managed and reduced.
If you haven’t been tested yet and just learned you are pregnant, we can help. Schedule a no-cost appointment at Pregnancy Options in Faribault today.
Bacterial STDs: Early Testing and Treatment
Bacterial STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are treatable with antibiotics during pregnancy. Early detection is very important. Syphilis can spread to the baby during pregnancy, while gonorrhea and chlamydia can be passed during delivery through the birth canal.
Receiving treatment as soon as possible helps protect your and your child’s health.
Viral STDs: Monitoring and Ongoing Management
Viral STDs, including genital herpes, hepatitis, and HIV, cannot be cured, but they can be managed. Antiviral medications can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of passing the infection to your child. Your doctor may recommend closer monitoring throughout pregnancy and, in some cases, may suggest a C-section as the safest option for delivery.
Checking Your Partner’s Sexual Health
If you test positive for an STD, it is also essential that your partner receives testing and treatment. Without treatment, you could become reinfected, which may affect both your health and your pregnancy.
Protecting Your Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time when your focus is on caring for your body and giving your child the healthiest start possible. Along with testing and treatment, prevention is key.
Choosing abstinence or being in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner are the best ways to prevent future STDs.
Get Tested at Pregnancy Options
At Pregnancy Options, we provide no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD/STI testing. While we test for the most common STDs, we can connect you with further testing if necessary.
Take the next step for your health and your baby’s well-being. Schedule your confidential, no-cost appointment at Pregnancy Options in Faribault today.