Chlamydia Trachomatis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) commonly diagnosed in pregnancy. This infection has been linked to several pregnancy complications.
Infants born to mothers through an infected birth canal are at risk for acquiring Chlamydial infection.
The prevalence of Chlamydia in pregnancy ranges from 2%-30%.
Since pregnancies are achieved through unprotected sex it is important to be well-informed about the infection and screening to protect the mother and the baby.
Prompt diagnosis through chlamydia test and treatment can reduce the risk of complications.
How does Chlamydia affect pregnant women?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is spread by unprotected sex with an infected person by vaginal, anal or oral sex.
If Chlamydia is not treated properly, it can have serious complications.
In women, this infection can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to ectopic pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
In pregnancy, if you have been diagnosed with Chlamydia and left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of your water breaking prematurely (premature rupture of membranes), causing your baby to be born early.
Meanwhile, if a woman has Chlamydia during labour, the chances of the baby getting infected are high. The newborn might suffer from low birth weight, eye infections or pneumonia.
Why early screening and diagnosis matter?
Prenatal screening is important to ensure the risk of infection and transmission of infection to newborns.
You may be at an increased risk of chlamydia if you:
- are younger than 25 years old
- have more than one sexual partner
- have a new sexual partner during your pregnancy
- have a sexual partner who has other sexual partners
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Unfortunately, pregnant or not, the most common symptom of chlamydia is no symptom at all according to studies.
Most people with chlamydia have zero symptoms. When symptoms occur, they typically include:
- changes in vaginal discharge
- pain or bleeding during or after penetrative sex
- pelvic pain or discomfort
- itchiness or burning during urination
It is highly recommended that all pregnant women do a chlamydia test in the first trimester.
In some cases, repeat testing during the third trimester may be recommended.
How can Chlamydia affect the baby?
If you have a chlamydia infection when you go into labour, there’s a chance that you’ll pass the bacteria to your baby.
In fact, up to half of babies born vaginally to mothers with untreated chlamydia (and even some babies born by c-section) will contract the infection.
Between 25 to 50% of these babies will develop an eye infection (conjunctivitis) a few days to a few weeks after birth while 5 to 30% of babies who contract chlamydia during delivery develop pneumonia a few weeks to several months after birth.
Although these infections can be very serious, babies who are treated promptly with antibiotics generally do well. Of course, it’s best to get treated before delivery to prevent your baby from becoming infected in the first place.
Treatment options for Pregnant Women
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy.
Your practitioner may prescribe an antibiotic that you take in a single dose or one that you take over the course of a week. (Be sure to be compliant). In most cases, one round of treatment will cure the infection.
Your partner should also be treated at the same time, and both should abstain from sex until a week after completing treatment so you don’t get reinfected.
The CDC recommends that pregnant women be tested again in a medical clinic three to four weeks after completing treatment to make sure the infection is gone.
How to deal with Chlamydia and avoid getting the infection?
If it’s possible that you’ve been exposed to chlamydia (or any other STI) during pregnancy, or you develop any symptoms, tell your practitioner right away so that a Chlamydia test can be done and treatment be given if necessary.
Have sex only with a long-term partner who has sex only with you.
Otherwise, use latex condoms during intercourse, and a dental dam during oral sex, to reduce your risk of getting chlamydia and certain other STIs.
Conclusion
Regular screening and prompt treatment are key to tackling Chlamydia.
Women are advised to have comprehensive prenatal screening and speak openly to your doctor if you have any concerns.
It is important to remember that early detection and treatment save TWO lives during pregnancy.
We here at Universal Clinic offer medical services that are important to women’s well-being and health.
If you would like to visit a top women’s health clinic that cares about your needs holistically, visit us at this link today.
Dr Shalan Sugumaran
Dr Shalan Sugumaran is an expert in Men’s and Women’s health related issues and has amassed a wealth of experience over the years dealing with such issues.
Along the way, he also developed a keen interest in sexually transmitted diseases and has successfully managed complex cases including HIV related.
Dr Shalan believes that sexual health is important as it can give benefits in all aspect of one’s life and is highly motivated to provide holistic, compassionate and quality care for his clients.
Dr Shalan Sugumaran
Dr Shalan Sugumaran is an expert in Men’s and Women’s health related issues and has amassed a wealth of experience over the years dealing with such issues.
Along the way, he also developed a keen interest in sexually transmitted diseases and has successfully managed complex cases including HIV related.
Dr Shalan believes that sexual health is important as it can give benefits in all aspect of one’s life and is highly motivated to provide holistic, compassionate and quality care for his clients.
