Warning Signs of STDs During Pregnancy: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know

The more you progress in your pregnancy, you will be faced with constant challenges like morning sickness, swelling, etc. Getting infected with sexually transmitted diseases is also one of them.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases? 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another through sexual activity. Sexual acts with an infected person may be performed vaginally, orally, or anally. Herpes, syphilis, Genital warts, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, etc., are some of the types of sexually transmitted diseases. 

What are the top warning signs of STDs?

Contracting sexually transmitted diseases can be life-threatening for you and the baby inside you. Therefore, you must become aware of the signs of STD during pregnancy:

• Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse

• Rashes or itching in your vagina

• Bleeding or discharge from the vagina

• Chills, aches, and fever 

• Weight loss and slow bowel movement

  
  

Along with these, many sexually transmitted infections lie “silent”.

Who is most at risk of getting STDs?

When you visit the healthcare practitioner, he or she will tell you that you may contract STDs due to the following reasons:

• If you have multiple sexual partners 

• If you had STDs in the past 

• If you had shared a drug needle with an infected person. 

  
  

How are STDs treated in pregnancy?

Here are some treatment options available to treat various kinds of STDs during pregnancy:

1. Antibiotics

Some STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be treated with antibiotics. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment during pregnancy.

Antiviral medications

For STDs such as herpes and HIV, antiviral medications may be prescribed to manage the infection and reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

Treatment for complications

In some cases, STDs during pregnancy may lead to complications such as preterm birth or newborn infections. Treatment plans may include measures to address these potential complications.

Partner treatment

It's crucial for sexual partners to also receive treatment to prevent re-infection and reduce the risk of transmitting the STD back to the pregnant individual.

Regular follow-up: 

Pregnant individuals with STDs may require regular follow-up appointments to monitor their condition and ensure that the treatment is effective.

It's essential to have open and honest discussions with healthcare providers to receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for STDs during pregnancy.