Syphilis in pregnancy often lurks in the shadows of more commonly discussed prenatal concerns.
Yet, this serious condition has implications for both maternal and neonatal health.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through distinct stages, which may also overlap with each other.
- Primary
- Secondary
- Latent
- Tertiary
Each stage presents a range of symptoms that can be mild initially but may lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with a syphilitic sore during sexual activities or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
How does syphilis affect pregnancy?
The repercussions of syphilis on pregnancy are severe and wide-ranging. If you’re pregnant, here are five ways that syphilis can affect you.
1. Increased risk of miscarriage in early stages
If you’re pregnant and have syphilis, there’s a high risk of miscarriage during the early stages of your pregnancy since the infection interferes with the embryo’s ability to develop normally.
2. Higher likelihood of stillbirth in later stages
As the pregnancy advances, untreated syphilis significantly raises the risk of stillbirth.
3. Premature birth leading to complications
Syphilis can also trigger premature birth, where the baby is born before the completion of the full term. This early arrival often leads to complications, including:
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
- Neurological impairment
- Congenital heart defects
- Thrombocytopenia
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
- Hydrocephalus, in severe cases
4. Low birth weight affecting infant health
Infants born to mothers with syphilis may have low birth weight, a condition that makes them more susceptible to infections, developmental challenges and other health problems throughout their lives.
5. Neonatal death shortly after birth
In the most severe cases, syphilis can result in neonatal death, which occurs shortly after your baby’s birth.
Can syphilis be treated during pregnancy?
Yes.
If you have syphilis while pregnant, your healthcare provider will recommend penicillin therapy. Considered as the gold standard and cornerstone in syphilis treatment, penicillin effectively eliminates the Treponema pallidum bacteria, which significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus.
It’s administered through a series of injections and is tailored to the stage of syphilis, as well as your specific needs.
Why is early treatment important for pregnant women with syphilis?
First, treating syphilis early prevents transmission of the infection to your unborn child.
Second, early intervention reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, such as:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Premature birth
By addressing the infection promptly with effective antibiotic therapy, you don’t only protect your baby’s health, but also yours as well.
How is syphilis diagnosed in pregnant women?
To test for syphilis, your healthcare provider will order a blood test to detect antibodies against the Treponema pallidum bacterium. These tests are a standard part of prenatal screening.
If your test returns positive, your healthcare provider will order follow-up tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the infection.
This two-step approach helps them to accurately identify syphilis cases and initiate treatment promptly.
What are the recommendations for syphilis screening during pregnancy?
Testing should be conducted during initial prenatal visits as part of a comprehensive health check-up.
Re-screening in the third trimester is also advised, particularly if you’re part of a high-risk group or are residing in areas with elevated rates of syphilis, to mitigate the risk of congenital syphilis.
Also, if you haven’t been previously tested, it’s recommended to get a screening at delivery to safeguard the newborn from potential infection. Adherence to these screening protocols is vital for preventing the detrimental effects of untreated syphilis on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
How can pregnant women prevent syphilis?
Preventing syphilis during pregnancy involves a combination of personal precautions and medical interventions. If you’re pregnant, here are what you can do:
- Practicing safe sex using condoms
- Engaging in regular prenatal care
- Get your partner treated if they’re infected
Key takeaway
Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to serious issues like miscarriage, stillbirth and complications for the newborn. To prevent this, opt for a regular screening and practice safe sex.
Lastly, catching and treating it early with penicillin can help to keep both you and your baby healthy.
