What are the risks of having an STD while pregnant? Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are serious and can impact your pregnancy options. Before moving forward with your pregnancy decision, make sure to know if you have an STD and confirm your pregnancy. It’s vital to get tested and receive support so you can continue your pregnancy journey with clarity. You are not alone.
What Are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections spread by sex or sexual activity with a person infected with an STD. These diseases pass from one individual to another by blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Some common STDs include:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- HIV/AIDS
- HPV
3 Ways STDs Can Impact Pregnancy
Several STDs can impact you and your pregnancy. Three common ways that an STD could affect pregnancy are:
- Cause a miscarriage
- Develop an ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube)
- Put you into preterm labor and delivery (before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy)
It’s vital that you know for sure if you have an STD, especially while pregnant. Having an abortion with an STD could cause infertility, an ectopic pregnancy, and increased HIV risk.
The Symptoms of STDs
Some women have STD symptoms right away after being infected by a partner and some women experience no signs at all. You or your partner may not have known they were infected. Some common symptoms include:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
- Lower abdominal pain
Receive Help Today
Your first step before choosing a pregnancy option is to get STD testing done. Visit a doctor or medical clinic and talk through treatment options if tested positive. We at Avenue Women’s Center offer free and confidential STD testing referrals as well.
If you would like to confirm your pregnancy, we offer free and confidential pregnancy tests and limited medical ultrasounds. We are here for you and to talk through all your pregnancy options. Receive the care you deserve today by reaching out for an appointment right away!
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References:
- “Pregnancy & Sexually Transmitted Diseases.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10246-pregnancy–sexually-transmitted-diseases.
- “Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240.
- “How do sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STDs/STIs) affect pregnancy?” NIH, https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds/conditioninfo/infant.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.