Being Pregnant Doesn’t Protect You From STIs
Pregnancy comes with many changes, but one thing it doesn’t change? Your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re pregnant, you can still get an STI—and it can affect both you and your baby. That’s why getting tested is one of the most important things you can do for your health and theirs.
STIs Often Have No Symptoms
You can’t always tell if you or your partner has an STI. Many STIs show no symptoms at all, which means testing is the only way to know for sure. This is especially important during pregnancy because untreated infections can lead to serious complications.
How STIs Can Affect Pregnancy
If not treated, STIs can:
- Lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or early labor
- Increase the risk of infection in the uterus after delivery
- Cause serious health problems for your baby, like blindness, deafness, or brain damage
Some STIs, like syphilis or herpes, can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or delivery. Others, like HIV, can be passed through breast milk if left untreated.
How STIs Spread During Pregnancy
Just like any other time, STIs can spread through:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Genital skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing needles
- Childbirth or breastfeeding (in some cases)
Pregnancy does not give you any protection from transmission.
Protecting Yourself and Your Baby
You can reduce your risk by:
- Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative
- Using condoms every time you have sex
- Getting regular STI testing as part of your prenatal care
If you test positive, your partner should get tested and treated too—otherwise, you could get reinfected.
Can STIs Be Treated While Pregnant?
Yes—many STIs can be safely treated during pregnancy. Some, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be cured with antibiotics. Others, like HIV or herpes, can be managed with medication to reduce the risk to your baby. Early treatment improves outcomes for both of you.
Health Stop STL Can Help
We offer:
- Free STI testing (no insurance or ID required)
- Treatment and referrals for pregnant patients
- Free condoms and prevention education
- A safe, welcoming space with no judgment
Whether you’re planning a family or are already pregnant, getting tested is a powerful step in protecting your health.
Visit Health Stop STL today for free and confidential care that puts you and your baby first.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-stis-and-pregnancy.html
