Getting Pregnant with STDs

There are couples that are seeking to start a family; many may think twice about getting pregnant with STDs or when one of the partners has a sexually transmitted disease.  While many STDs are curable, HIV/AIDS and herpes do not have a cure at this time, and these diseases will be a factor during a pregnancy and the delivery of the newborn.  Couples that have been practicing safe sex by using condoms, in order to protect the partner that does not have a sexually transmitted disease, have to make decisions if a family is desired.  Those couples that can afford to pay for invitro fertilization can do so and avoid having sex without the use of protection.  While STDs are treatable during pregnancy, there are risks and it is better to not have a sexually transmitted disease and STD testing is necessary to remain free of STDs.

Practice Precautions

The perspective parents should discuss all concerns and options with a medical professional so all precautions can be taken to protect the mother and the unborn child.  While there are ways to get pregnant without sexual intercourse, Pregnant Womanthese options are expensive and take time.  Most couples cannot afford the financial expense; many insurance policies do not cover these procedures and the couples fall back on the old fashion way of getting pregnant, by having sex.  Studies show that those that have an understanding of the outbreaks that occur, such as genital herpes, are able to coordinate sexual exploration and pregnancy attempts during the time that the genital herpes is in a dormant state or non active state.

Prenatal Exams

The women who become pregnant should discuss those possibilities of having acquired an STD with physicians as part of the prenatal examinations.  STD testing should be performed to rule out possible STDs and have treatment started.  Mothers that already have a sexually transmitted disease such as herpes or HIV should be closely monitored.  Anti-viral drugs can be taken while pregnant and monitored by the physician.  Special precautions will be taken to keep the mother and baby safe during delivery.  In some cases, a caesarean will be done to deliver the newborn so as to protect the baby as it passes through the birth canal.  While this is rare for herpes when the mother is monitored and treated.  For those mothers with HIV, the babies are at a greater risk of acquiring the disease from the mother during the pregnancy.

Avoid Transmission to Newborn Child

When the sexually transmitted disease is acquired after the start of the pregnancy and especially during the last trimester may not leave enough time for treatment to protect the unborn child.  In this case, the risk is greater for the STD to be transmitted to the unborn child, as with HIV and the risks during pregnancy.  In some cases, the newborn will be born having acquired the sexually transmitted disease from the mother and must begin treatment.  New research and drugs are able to treat both the mother and baby during delivery when the STD is detected early.  For those that are not certain if a sexually transmitted disease is present, STD testing is done during labor to detect the STD and take precautions if possible to protect the unborn child.

No matter when the sexually transmitted disease was acquired, communications with the medical professional and the sexual partner is a must.  If you are pregnant with STDs, having STD testing done before trying to get pregnant and afterwards is the first step to keep the mother and the unborn child safe. When a sexually transmitted disease is known, open discussion with the physician will provide proper care and treatment during the pregnancy and delivery.  A sexually transmitted disease is not the end of the ability to start a family.  Seeking a STD testing center for early detection and treatment can make the desire for a family possible for couples that want to do so.  Practice safe sex during the pregnancy as an extra precaution for any other possible exposures to sexually transmitted diseases that could affect the health of the unborn child.  Proper neonatal care and open communication with the medical doctor can assist the possibility of a healthy new born and mother along with the new family remaining healthy for the future together.

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