Can Syphilis Affect the Baby During Pregnancy?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. During pregnancy, syphilis can be passed from mother to fetus.¹ As suggested by CDC, about 40% of pregnancies including mothers with untreated syphilis end up in stillbirth.² And in cases, where the babies do survive they have high risk of developing bone damage, severe anemia, skin rashes, meningitis (infection leading to swelling in the brain and spinal cord³), swollen liver and spleen. Additionally, neurological problems potentially leading to blindness or deafness, and jaundice can also be seen in newborns.² Knowing the detrimental impact of syphilis infection on the baby, pregnant women are encouraged to get screened during antenatal visits, regardless of their sexual history. If syphilis is present, the mother should be treated to prevent the infection from being passed to the baby.

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