Posted By

May 26, 2008, 3:18 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Phinn  

  Subject

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy 

Are there any sexually transmitted diseases that can be passed on to the baby through a vaginal delivery.  Is it safer to have a C-section if the mother has a history of any of these sexually transmitted diseases?
 

May 27, 2008, 7:22 am
Flag as Inappropriate skatss says...

It's best to ask the doctor if a woman is in that situation. It's also something you need to mention to him/her rather early because some STDs can be cured while the woman is still carrying the child.

It's sad that many STDs can be given to a baby. Here's some info I found:


Transmission of sexually transmitted diseases from the pregnant women to her fetus, newborn, or infant can occur before, during, or after birth. Certain STDs such as syphilis are able to cross the placenta and infect the fetus-- potentially affecting fetal development.

Other sexually transmitted diseases including gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes can be transmitted to the infant during vaginal delivery.

Women who are HIV positive can transmit the virus that causes AIDS to the fetus through the placenta during pregnancy or infection can occur during the process of birth. Unique to HIV is the fact that transmission can occur in infants as a result of breastfeeding by an infected mother.

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause devastating consequences to the baby that include:


stillbirth
low birth weight
an eye infection called conjunctivitis
pneumonia
an infection in the blood called neonatal sepsis
neurologic damage such as brain damage or motor function disorder
blindness, deafness, or other congenital abnormalities
acute hepatitis
meningitis
chronic liver disease
cirrhosis

Unfortunately, not all of the possible consequences of STD infections may be apparent at birth. Some of the affects of birth-related sexually transmitted disease may not be detected for months or sometimes even years.

On the positive side for pregnant women, bacterial sexually transmitted diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be treated and cured during pregnancy. Treatment for these bacterial STDs is with prescribed antibiotics.

Unfortunately, viral types of STDs such as genital herpes and HIV are treatable during pregnancy to reduce the symptoms but are not curable.

Pregnant women infected with HIV who receive treatment during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their infants. If a women infected by genital herpes has active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery, a cesarean section is often recommended to protect the newborn against infection

http://m1.2mdn.net/1482979/aboutinterstitial1.html



 

May 28, 2008, 10:54 pm
Flag as Inappropriate KatyDid says...

If you have genital herpes they will give you meds for the last few weeks before delivery, if you aren't already taking them. This will help you not have an outbreak. Then they should do a culture a few days before expected due date to see if you are having one. If that shows up or if you have a visible outbreak then you need a cesearean because of the risks to the baby during natural childbirth. However, most people who give birth after contracting this disease have healthy children with no problems. It is more dangerous if you contract it during your pregnancy however. 

June 1, 2008, 9:15 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Simplyme says...

Even with herpes medication it is possible to pass them onto your baby during delivery along with any other STD. However STD's during a vaginal birth will typically affect a babies eyes mouth and body. STD's during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous for an unborn baby and cause numerous issues after birth.  

June 2, 2008, 9:59 am
Flag as Inappropriate pheinbaugh2 says...

I would talk to your doctor about all of this to make sure you know exactly what to expect. 

June 2, 2008, 12:57 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Simplyme says...

I agree with pheinbaugh2 if you know someone currently going through this or simply for the sake of having the knowledge I would ask your physician who most likely can elaborate on the risks.