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Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Pregnancy: What Every Expecting Mom Should Know

Approved By: Dr. Yasmin Imdad May 12, 2025 | 04:59 pm

Pregnancy is a period of joy and excitement but you must also take precautions to ensure a smooth and safe pregnancy. That is why your gynecologist will always recommend pregnancy tests to keep your health and your baby’s health in check throughout your period of pregnancy.

STI testing during pregnancy

Sexually transmitted Infections or STI testing during pregnancy is usually recommended in the first prenatal visit with your doctor. Further, for high-risk patients, your doctor may recommend repeating STI testing during the third trimester.

Neglecting sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy complications for the expecting mother and developing fetus. Therefore, gynecologists highly recommend STI testing during pregnancy, covering screening for common sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

So, what are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections. Chlamydia is caused by the Chlamydia Trachomatis bacteria, while Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria Gonorhhoeae bacterium.

A World Health Organization report estimates 129 worldwide Chlamydia infections and 82.4 million Gonorrhea infections around the world in 2020. The developing resistance of the bacterium to multiple antibiotics has caused the increase in global cases. However, early detection and the right pregnancy care can prevent the transmission of the disease from the mother to the child.

Chlamydia

Understanding how STIs affect pregnancy

Expecting mothers infected with Chlamydia or Gonnorhea can pass the infection to their babies and it can result in complications to the growing fetus.

Chlamydia can cause pregnancy issues such as:

  • Preterm delivery
  • Lung infections
  • Eye diseases like conjunctivitis
  • Low Birth weight

Untreated Gonorrhea can cause complications such as

  • Infections in the blood
  • Blindness
  • Joint and bone infections

Also, apart from complications to the growing fetus, STIs can cause health issues for expectant mothers including vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, and also pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms of Chlamydia and Gonnorhea

Although many women may be asymptomatic or have no symptoms of Chlamydia or Gonorrhea infections, some women may experience a burning sensation while urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge, or abdominal pain. Therefore, doctors always recommend routine STI testing during pregnancy to ensure a safe pregnancy for both mother and child.

Ensuring a safe pregnancy

STI screening during pregnancy can help diagnose infections early. Early treatment and management of Sexually Transmitted Infections can minimize the effects of the infection on the mother and developing fetus.  Your doctor may recommend STI screening on the first prenatal visit.

Doctors can effectively treat STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea with pregnancy-safe antibiotics to minimize the risk of the infection spreading to your baby.

Routine pregnancy tests in Bangalore

It is always advisable to undergo routine pregnancy tests including STI testing during pregnancy at the top pregnancy hospital in Bangalore like Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Center.

At Kinder Women’s Hospital, we have a team of the best gynecologists in Bangalore. They offer their expertise in safe pregnancy practices. We have modern diagnostic assessments, advanced infrastructure, and a team of top fetal medicine specialists. This makes us one of the most preferred maternity hospitals in Bangalore.

Schedule your appointment today at Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre for routine, accurate, and safe pregnancy tests.

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