Will I Pass My STI to My Child?
- Human Life Services
- Oct 7, 2023
- 2 min read
The thought of having an STI can be scary and confusing. And if you’re pregnant, you may wonder whether your child is at risk. Understanding proper risk management and symptoms is imperative to receive treatment as needed. Regular STI testing is key to ensuring your sexual health is in order.
I’m Pregnant. Could I Have an STI?
First, STIs are primarily acquired through sexual activity or bodily fluids. Your pregnancy status does not exclude you from having an STI. Pregnant women can pass it to their child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Common STI symptoms include:
Fever
Lower abdominal pain
Vaginal or penile discharge
Painful or burning urination
Pain during sexual intercourse
Sore, swollen lymph nodes
Not all STIs are symptomatic, so you may be unsure if you have one. And if your STI is left untreated, it can cause pregnancy complications like premature birth, eye infections, and more. Protect your health and that of your baby by having frequent testing.
The Benefits of Regular Testing
Regular STI testing ensures you understand how risky behavior impacts physical health, such as:
Having unprotected sexual intercourse
Having more than one sexual partner
Not sharing your health history with your partner
Using recreational drugs or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
STI testing, when coupled with treatment, also provides an opportunity to lower your chances of developing long-term complications like:
Heart disease
Infertility
Certain cancers
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females
You deserve to protect your health by taking advantage of this service.
Free & Confidential Services
Human Life Services offers free, confidential emotional support if you have an STI. We are here to provide assistance and guidance.
Our client advocates and medical staff help pregnant women with needed services like lab-quality pregnancy testing and obstetrical ultrasounds. Again, these services are entirely
free. Contact us today to make an appointment or call 717-846-2384. We’re here for you!
