Women with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can infect their babies before, during or after birth. STDs that can cause complications during pregnancy include:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV). This form of vaginitis occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is interrupted and there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. In some women, the condition causes discharge, odor, pain, itching and burning. Pregnant women with the condition are more likely to have premature babies or babies with a low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, or 2,500 grams). In some cases, the bacteria also infect the uterus and fallopian tubes. Known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), this disorder can increase a woman’s risk of ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 800,000 pregnant women are infected with bacterial vaginosis each year in the United States. The disease can be treated and cured during pregnancy with antibiotics.
  
  
• Chlamydia. This disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. According to the CDC, about three-quarters of infected women have no symptoms. Left untreated in a pregnant woman, the disease can lead to premature delivery. In addition, babies who become infected during delivery can develop chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts. According to the CDC, chlamydia is a leading cause of infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns. The CDC estimates that about 200,000 pregnant women are infected with chlamydia each year in the United States. The disease can be treated and cured during pregnancy with antibiotics.
  
  
• Genital herpes. This disease is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). According to the CDC, about 800,000 pregnant women are infected with herpes simplex each year in the United States. In most women, the disease causes mild signs and symptoms or no symptoms at all. When signs do occur, the disease may present as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. Women who contract the disease during pregnancy have a greater risk of transmitting the disease to their babies. During pregnancy, genital herpes can cause life-threatening infections in fetuses. Although transmission from an infected mother to her baby is rare, women with active genital herpes at the time of delivery often undergo Caesarean section (C-section). Although there is no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms during pregnancy.  

• Human papillomavirus infection. Also known as genital warts, this condition is caused by the human papillomavirus, a group of viruses that can infect a woman’s vulva, cervix and the linings of the vagina. Most people with the infection do not develop any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the disease usually presents as single or multiple growths in the genital area. Although it rarely occurs, an infected woman can transmit the virus to her baby during delivery. Babies exposed to the virus can develop warts in their throat and voice box.
  
  
• Gonorrhea. This disease is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and urethra. Most women with the disease have no symptoms. During delivery, an infected woman can pass the disease to her baby. This can lead to blindness, joint infection or a life-threatening blood infection in the baby. According to the CDC, about 40,000 pregnant women are infected with gonorrhea each year in the United States. The disease can be treated and cured during pregnancy with antibiotics.
  
  
• Hepatitis B. This disease is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which attacks the liver. The disease can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during delivery. Babies infected with the virus at birth may develop cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. According to the CDC, about 40,000 pregnant women are infected with hepatitis B each year in the United States. Women should be tested for the virus early in their pregnancies. Patients who test negative for hepatitis B may be given the hepatitis B vaccine during pregnancy. Babies of women who test positive for the virus should be vaccinated at birth, one to two months after delivery and again at 6 months of age.
  
  
• HIV/AIDS. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus gradually destroys a person’s immune system. As a result, patients often develop serious infections, cancer and other life-threatening diseases. According to the CDC, about 8,000 pregnant women are infected with HIV each year in the United States. The virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. However, there are drugs available that may greatly reduce a woman’s risk of transmitting the disease during delivery. C-section delivery may also be an option. 
  
  
• Syphilis. This disease is caused by bacterium Treponema pallidum. A woman with syphilis can infect her baby during her pregnancy. Many people infected with the disease do not have symptoms for years after they become infected. Babies may also be born without signs or symptoms of the disease. Left untreated, an infected baby may develop a number of complications within a few weeks of delivery. Babies who are not treated may develop brain damage, blindness and seizures. The disease can increase the risk of stillbirth or delivering a baby who dies shortly after birth. According to the CDC, about 8,000 pregnant women are infected with syphilis each year in the United States. The disease can be treated and cured during pregnancy with antibiotics.
  
  
• Trichomoniasis. According to the CDC, about 80,000 pregnant women are infected with trichomoniasis each year in the United States. This disease is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. In women, the disease most often infects the vagina, sometimes causing frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong odor. It may also cause itching and irritation in the genital area, and discomfort during urination (dysuria) or sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). Women with the disease may have a baby born early (premature birth) or a baby with a low birth weight. The disease can be treated and cured during pregnancy with antibiotics.

Many of these complications can be prevented when the mother’s disease is detected before delivery. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women be screened for STDs on their first prenatal visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn). Some conditions may also be successfully treated if the disease is found in the baby after birth.