Women who are pregnant can become infected with the same STDs that women who are not pregnant can. Pregnancy does not provide a woman or her baby any type of protection against sexually transmitted diseases.The consequences of having an STD while pregnant are much more serious though.It can even be life threatening, for a woman and her baby if the woman becomes infected with an STD while pregnant. it is very important for a woman to be aware of the harmful efects of STDs and know how to protect themselves and their babies against infection.

How do STDs effect a pregnant woman and her baby? STDs can have many of the same consequences for pregnant women as they do for women who are not pregnant.STDs can cause cervical and other cancers,chronic hepatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease,infertility,and other complications.

Many STDs in women are silent.

STDs can be passed from a pregnant women to the baby before ,during ,or after the baby's birth. Some STDs (like syphilis) cross the placenta and infect the baby while it is still in the womb.Other STDs like(gonorrhea,chlamydia,hepatitis B,and genital herpes) can be transmitted from mother to baby during the delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal.HIV can cross the placenta during pregnancy,infect the baby during the birthing process,and unlike most STDs can also infect the baby through breastfeeding.a pregnant woman with an STD can also have early onset of labor,premature rupture of membranes surrounding the baby,and uterine infection after delivery. The harmful effects of STDs in babies may include stillbirth,low birth rate,eye infection,pneumonia,neonatal sepsis,neurological damage,blindness,deafness,acute hepatitis,meningitis,chronic liver disease,and cirrhosis. Most of these problems can be prevented if the mother receives routine prenatal care, which includes screening tests for STDs starting early in pregnancy and repeated again close to delivery ,if necessary.other problems can be treated if the infection is found at birth.

Pregnant women should ask their doctors about getting tested for STDs because not all doctors routinely perform these tests.Even if a women has been tested in the past she should be tested again when she becomes pregnant.

Can an STD be treated during pregnancy? Chlamydia,gonorrhea,syphilis,trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis can be treated and cured with antibiotics during pregnancy. There is no cure for Viral STDs such as genital herpes,and HIV,but antiviral medications may be appropriate for pregnant women with herpes and definitely is for those with HIV. For women who have active herpes lesions at the time of delivery , a C-section may be preformed to protect the newborn against infection. A C-section is also an option for some women who are HIV positive. Women who test negative for hepatitis B may receive vaccine during pregnancy.

How can a pregnant women protect themselves against infection? The surest way to avoid an STD is to abstain from sexual contact,or to be in a long term relationship with a mutually monogamous partner who has tested negative for any STD.

Latex condoms ,when used consistently and correctly ,are highly effective in preventing most STDs. Condoms do not always protect against herpes if the lesions are not covered by the condom.The same is true for exposure to genital warts.

The best rule of thumb is know your partners sexual status,when you become pregnant get screened for all STDs and if you continue to be sexually active know your partners sexual status and use a latex condom correctly each and every time you have sex. Also ,if you have any changes is sexual partners or do not know if your partner has been with other people, you should be re-screened for STDs before you deliver your baby. If your doctor does not ask to do these tests, you should ask then to do them for you. It is not only for your health and safety,but the health and safety of your baby.