Can STDs Affect Your Baby?

Yes, STDs can affect your baby. There are many STDs that can be passed from a mother to her newborn, including: Syphilis, which can attack the baby inside the womb; Gonorrhea, hepatitis B, genital herpes, and chlamydia, which can be contracted by the baby during delivery through the birth canal. And HIV, which can also be spread through the placenta and breast milk.¹

If a newborn gets infected with an STD, their risk of developing harmful health issues increases. Some of these health issues include:¹

-Acute hepatitis

-Blindness

-Blood infection

-Brain damage

-Chronic liver disease

-Deafness

-Eye infection

-Low birth weight

-Meningitis (infection leading to swelling in the brain and spinal cord²)

-Pneumonia

-Poor coordination in body movements

Pregnancy is a delicate phase, and any oversight of important matters can lead to unwanted consequences. That's why doctors always recommend that expectant mothers undergo screenings and tests. Along with other important screenings, you can also opt for STD screening to protect your baby from potential hazards. LifeCell's at-home STD Test Kit is a tool that can help you determine the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), all from the privacy of your home. To learn more, simply fill out the form given below.