Syphilis and pregnancy: Can you pass syphilis to your baby?
Syphilis poses a significant risk during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is infected with syphilis and doesn’t receive timely treatment, the infection can be passed to her baby, resulting in congenital syphilis. This can lead to severe health complications or even death for the baby. Preventing congenital syphilis begins with early testing and treatment.
Understanding congenital syphilis
Transmission from mother to baby
Congenital syphilis occurs when the syphilis bacterium is transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. This can happen at any stage of syphilis, but the risk is particularly high during the early stages when the bacteria are most active.¹ Without treatment, up to 80% of infants born to mothers with untreated syphilis will be infected.² Regular testing during pregnancy is critical to prevent this transmission.
Health risks for the baby
Congenital syphilis can cause a range of serious health problems, including premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and neonatal death.³ Infants who survive may suffer from developmental delays, bone deformities, severe anemia, and neurological issues.⁴ These complications can be prevented with early detection and treatment during pregnancy, making testing a vital part of prenatal care.
Importance of prenatal testing
The CDC recommends that all pregnant women be tested for syphilis during their first prenatal visit.⁵ In areas with high syphilis prevalence or among women at increased risk, testing should be repeated during the third trimester and at delivery.⁶ Prompt treatment with antibiotics, typically penicillin, can prevent the transmission of syphilis to the baby.⁷ The First to Know Syphilis Test provides a rapid and reliable testing option that can be easily integrated into prenatal care visits.
Take action
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to get tested for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as part of your prenatal care. Early testing and treatment can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of congenital syphilis. With the First to Know Syphilis Test, you can receive quick results, ensuring that you and your baby are protected.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Congenital Syphilis – Detailed Information,” CDC.gov.
- Mayo Clinic, “Congenital Syphilis – Risks and Complications,” MayoClinic.org.
- World Health Organization (WHO), “Syphilis in Pregnancy,” WHO.int.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Congenital Syphilis: Effects and Management,” NIH.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Prenatal Syphilis Screening Guidelines,” CDC.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Syphilis Testing During Pregnancy,” CDC.gov.
- Mayo Clinic, “Syphilis Treatment During Pregnancy,” MayoClinic.org.