As an expectant mom, you want to make sure you do all you can to give your new family member a healthy start in life. One simple way to do that is to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the early weeks of pregnancy.
STD screenings help identify potential infections, so they can be treated as soon as possible, before they have a chance to harm the unborn baby. Yet, data show that despite the importance of screenings, only about half of pregnant women have the recommended tests.
Paul W. Morrison, M.D., is committed to helping every patient enjoy a healthy pregnancy — for their own benefit and for the benefit of their child. At his practice in Newburgh, Indiana, which serves the Evansville area, he offers comprehensive pregnancy care, including a full range of STD testing.
If you’re pregnant, here’s a quick overview of the tests you should have, along with a brief overview of why screenings are so important.
Everyone knows that STD infections can cause problems for the person who’s infected. But, what many women don’t know is that these infections can be especially dangerous for unborn babies.
Having STDs during pregnancy can lead to uterine infections as well as premature labor, which is the leading cause of death in infants and young children. Having STDs during pregnancy can also be an underlying cause of long-term health and developmental problems in kids.
Some STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis B, can be passed from the mom to the baby either through the placenta or via the birth canal during delivery. These infections can cause a variety of serious health problems for a newborn, including:
Some STD infections can lead to stillbirths.
That’s why early screenings are so important to the health of your baby. If a screening reveals that you have an STD, Dr. Morrison can begin treatment and recommend other steps to eliminate the infection without harming you or your baby.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an updated list of STD screening recommendations based on current infection rates and other criteria. Currently, the CDC recommends that all pregnant women be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B (HBV) at their first office visit.
The guidelines also recommend testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea in mothers-to-be who are under age 25 and for older women who have an increased risk of infection. Hepatitis C (HCV) screening is also recommended for pregnant women, unless they live in an area where the risk of HCV is very low (less than 0.1%).
Other tests may be recommended if you have symptoms of an STD or if you’re at a high risk of having an STD. Dr. Morrison discusses your risk factors as well as the screenings he recommends during your first office visit. In some instances, screenings may be repeated during the final weeks of pregnancy to ensure a healthy delivery.
If you’re pregnant, one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your developing baby is to schedule a prenatal exam. During your visit. Dr. Morrison provides essential information, guidance, and testing that can help you and your baby stay healthy all the way through delivery.
To learn more about STD testing and other important prenatal services and treatments, call 812-490-5200 or book an appointment online with the practice of Paul W. Morrison, M.D., today.
