Chlamydia in Pregnancy Patient Information

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is contracted through oral, genital or anal sex. Untreated, it can pass from a mother to her baby through a vaginal or cesarean delivery. It is the most common, curable sexually transmitted disease in the United States.

Dangers to Pregnant Mothers

Mothers who have Chlamydia during pregnancy have an increased chance of having preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes and an increased probability of an active infection in the amniotic fluid.

Dangers to Baby

Babies born to mothers with an active infection have a good chance of contracting it as well. Half of the babies who contract Chlamydia will develop eye infections and need to be treated with antibiotics. Some of them may also develop pneumonia.

Symptoms

If you have been exposed to Chlamydia, you may notice that urinating is uncomfortable, your cervix is inflamed and you have an increase in vaginal discharge. Anal sex may lead to inflamed rectal tissues, and oral sex may result in a sore throat.

Screening

Pregnant women are routinely screened for Chlamydia during their first prenatal visit. This is done by a vaginal swab that is sent off and cultured by the lab.

Treatment

If you are positive for Chlamydia, you will be treated with oral antibiotics. Doctors may choose to give a single dose or a dose that is given over the course of a week.

References

• Pregnancy-Info

Who Can HelpSponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.