STD/STI testing and treatment is a critical part of prenatal care to prevent passing an STD to your child. If you haven’t been tested and just found out that you are pregnant, we can help.
Schedule a no-cost appointment at Alpha Omega Center today.
Depending on the type of STD, your doctor may take different measures to lower the risk of passing the STD to your child. Keep reading for more information.
Bacterial STDs: Test and Treat Early
Bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are treated with antibiotics. If STD testing identifies these STDs, you can receive antibiotics during pregnancy.
Some STDs, like syphilis, can spread to the child during pregnancy, while others, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, can spread to the child in the birth canal during labor and delivery.
The key is early testing and treatment. The sooner you are treated, the better. If you are diagnosed with syphilis, you should be treated immediately.
Viral STDs: Ongoing Management and Monitoring
Viral STDs can include genital herpes, hepatitis, and HIV. There is, unfortunately, no cure for viral STDs. However, antiviral medications can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of spreading it to your child.
If you have a viral STD, your doctor will need to monitor your situation closely and consider whether a C-section could be a better choice for preventing the spread to your child.
Ensure Your Partner Receives Treatment
If you have an STD, there’s a high chance your partner is infected too.
Ensure you and your partner receive treatment to prevent reinfection and for your long-term health and wellness.
STI/STDs are serious, and prevention is always preferred to treatment.
Preventing STDs During Pregnancy and Beyond
Pregnancy is a time when you’re focused on your health and giving your developing child a healthy start. It’s important to reduce your risk of STDs during pregnancy.
In addition to ensuring you and your partner receive testing and treatment, practicing abstinence or being in a mutually monogamous relationship can lower your risk of contracting STDs.
Abstinence is the best strategy for protecting your sexual health and the only way to completely prevent future STDs and pregnancy.
Alpha Omega Center Can Help
Alpha Omega Center can be your first step toward a healthy pregnancy.
Schedule a no-cost appointment for pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, and STD testing. You will learn important pregnancy details and whether or not you have chlamydia or gonorrhea.
If we suspect you may have more STDs, we will refer you for a full panel of testing to ensure you receive the treatment and healthcare you need.
