Pregnancy And Sexual Infections

Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life when she is responsible not only for her health, but also for the health of her unborn child. Infections during pregnancy can pose a serious threat to the health and development of the fetus. In this article we will look at how sexually transmitted infections can affect pregnancy and the health of the child.

What are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections are sexually transmitted diseases. They can be caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Some of the most common sexually transmitted infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, genital herpes, genital warts and HIV.

How can sexually transmitted infections affect pregnancy and the health of the child?

Sexually transmitted infections can have a negative impact on pregnancy and the health of the child. During pregnancy, a woman's immune system is in an altered state, making her more vulnerable to infections. In addition, some sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Transmission of infection to the fetus can occur in two main ways - hematogenous and ascending. With hematogenous infection, the pathogen is carried by maternal blood into the placenta, and from there through the umbilical cord enters the fetus. With an ascending infection, the pathogen rises from the mother’s genital tract into the uterine cavity, infects the fetal membranes, then multiplies in the amniotic fluid and with it penetrates the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract of the fetus. The consequences for the fetus depend on many conditions - the duration of pregnancy, the state of maternal immunity and the properties of microbes.

Early infection can lead to intrauterine death of the fetus or the development of deformities, while infections that occur at a later stage can cause microbial damage to the baby’s organs and tissues, as well as inflammation of the placenta and placental membranes.

How to prevent sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy?

There are measures that can help prevent sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy. They include:

1. Maintaining genital hygiene.
2. Use condoms every time you have sexual intercourse.
3. Checking for the presence of sexually transmitted infections before and during pregnancy.
4. Treatment of sexually transmitted infections before pregnancy or as soon as possible after their detection.
5. Avoiding sexual contact with partners who have sexually transmitted infections or unknown status for that matter.
6. Visiting your doctor for regular checkups and advice on health issues during pregnancy.

If a woman develops a sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy, she should immediately consult a doctor to receive treatment. Some medications used to treat sexually transmitted infections can be dangerous for the baby, so the doctor must choose the safest treatment option.

In general, preventing and treating sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy are important measures to maintain the health of mother and child. Women planning a pregnancy should see a doctor to be checked for sexually transmitted infections and receive recommendations for their prevention and treatment.