Can you be born with an STD?

Let’s ease into things by starting with the basics: what are STDs?

In a word, STDs are infections you get from sex. This can be almost any kind of sex, like vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and the like. You can also get some infections through simple skin-to-skin contact, like HPV and Herpes.

But the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause STDs don’t fit neatly into the categories we impose on them. STDs don’t need to be contracted from sex. There are some STDs that you can get through blood transfusions, needle-stick injuries, and other kinds of blood-to-blood contact.

And it’s this mode of transmission that we have to think about when thinking about infants being born with an STD.

Yes, it’s indeed possible for someone to be born with an STD. This occurs when the infection is passed on from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Medical knowledge has advanced in leaps and strides over the decades, and so we know how STDs can be transmitted during pregnancy. As a result, STD screens are common tests for women who are pregnant.

Here are some common STDs that can be transmitted through pregnancy and childbirth.

HIV

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during amniocentesis, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

This type of transmission is known as vertical transmission.  During childbirth, the baby can be exposed to HIV in the mother’s blood and other fluids once the placenta starts working as a natural barrier. Additionally, HIV can be present in breast milk, so breastfeeding can also be a route of transmission.

However, with proper medical care, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the mother, the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby can be significantly reduced.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth, a process known as congenital syphilis. The bacteria can cross the placenta and infect the baby, potentially leading to serious health issues, which will often be life-threatening for the baby.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This type of transmission is known as perinatal transmission. The virus can be present in the mother’s blood and bodily fluids, and the baby can become infected during delivery.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection that can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This type of transmission occurs when the baby passes through the birth canal and comes into contact with the infected secretions. This can cause conjunctivitis in the baby.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This happens when the baby passes through the birth canal and comes into contact with the bacteria that have infected the genitals, causing conjunctivitis in the baby’s eyes.

Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma is known to increase the risk of preterm childbirth. However, it is not well known if this infection poses many other risks for the baby.

Herpes

Herpes, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during the pregnancy (which can lead to a more risky pregnancy), at the moment of childbirth or in the neonatal period. This occurs when the baby passes through the birth canal and comes into contact with Herpes sores that appear during an outbreak or if the baby comes into contact with sores the mother has while nursing

When it comes to congenital STDs, the complications for newborns can vary significantly depending on whether the infection is viral or bacterial.

Viral infections, such as HIV, Herpes Simplex and Hepatitis B, are caused by viruses that can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. These infections can lead to serious health issues for the baby.

For instance, babies born with HIV may develop a compromised immune system, making them more susceptible to opportunistic infections and encephalopathy. Herpes infections can infect the eyes of newborns, seriously compromising their eyesight and other mucosa like the mouth, but the infection can become more generalised and life threatening.

On the other hand, bacterial infections, Gonorrhoea, and Chlamydia, are caused by bacteria that can be passed to the baby during childbirth when the baby comes into contact with bacteria in the birth canal.

Congenital Syphilis can result in a range of complications, including stillbirth, premature birth, and severe health issues like deformities, neurological problems, and organ damage.

Babies exposed to Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia bacteria during childbirth can develop eye infections. These are easier to treat with antibiotic eye drops. Having these infections while pregnant has been described as a risk factor in having preterm labour, premature rupture of the membranes, low birth weight, and even miscarriage.

When it comes to congenital STDs, the ability to cure them depends on whether the infection is viral or bacterial.

Bacterial infections, such as Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, and Chlamydia, can generally be cured with antibiotics. Early detection and treatment during pregnancy are crucial to prevent transmission to the baby and to address any complications that might arise.

On the other hand, viral infections like HIV and Herpes can’t be cured. However, they can be managed with proper medical care.

For HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential. ART helps to control the virus, reduce the viral load in the mother’s blood, and significantly lower the risk of transmission to the baby.

For Herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission during childbirth. In some cases, a caesarean section may be recommended to prevent the baby from coming into contact with active Herpes sores. While these treatments do not cure the infections, they play a vital role in managing the health of both the mother and the baby, ensuring better outcomes.

Understanding the risks and complications of congenital STDs is crucial for expecting parents and anyone planning to start a family. While some STDs can be cured with antibiotics, others require ongoing management to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing transmission and minimising complications, making regular prenatal care and testing essential.

If you’re concerned about STDs or want to ensure a healthy pregnancy, Better2Know offers a range of tests and screens to help you stay informed and protected. Don’t wait—take control of your sexual health by getting tested today.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 10/12/2024.