Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems for pregnant women and their babies. It is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can be treated effectively with antibiotics, but if it is not treated, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis can be divided into four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary.
Primary syphilis: The first sign of syphilis is usually a small, painless sore at the site of infection. This sore appears within 10 days to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. The sore heals on its own after a few weeks, but the infection is still present in the body.
Secondary syphilis: This stage occurs 2 to 8 weeks after the primary sore heals. Symptoms of secondary syphilis may include a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, hair loss, and headaches.
Latent syphilis: This stage occurs when the bacteria are present in the body but there are no symptoms. Latent syphilis can last for many years.
Tertiary syphilis: This is the most advanced stage of syphilis and can occur many years after the initial infection. Symptoms of tertiary syphilis can include damage to the heart, brain, and nerves.
How is Syphilis Transmitted?
Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
What Are the Symptoms of Syphilis in Pregnancy?
Pregnant women with syphilis may have no symptoms, or they may have the same symptoms as non-pregnant women. Symptoms of syphilis in pregnancy may include:
Primary syphilis: A small, painless sore at the site of infection.
Secondary syphilis: Rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, hair loss, and headaches.
Latent syphilis: No symptoms.
Primary Syphilis
If you are pregnant and have a primary syphilis sore, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment with antibiotics can help prevent the infection from spreading to your baby.
Secondary Syphilis
If you are pregnant and have secondary syphilis, you will need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to your baby. You may also need to be treated during labor and delivery to prevent the infection from passing to your baby.
Latent Syphilis
If you are pregnant and have latent syphilis, you will need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to your baby. You may also need to be treated during labor and delivery to prevent the infection from passing to your baby.
How Can Syphilis Be Treated During Pregnancy?
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin. Penicillin is safe for pregnant women and their babies.
Medications
The most common antibiotic used to treat syphilis is penicillin. Penicillin is given by injection.
Treatment During Labor and Delivery
If you have syphilis during labor and delivery, you will need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent the infection from passing to your baby. Your baby may also need to be treated with antibiotics after birth.
What Are the Risks of Syphilis to the Baby?
Syphilis can cause serious health problems for pregnant women and their babies. Risks to the baby include:
What Are the Risks of Syphilis to the Baby?
The risks of syphilis to the baby depend on the stage of syphilis at the time of pregnancy and whether or not the mother is treated.
Stillbirth: If a pregnant woman with syphilis is not treated, her baby has a 40% risk of stillbirth.
Premature birth: Babies born to mothers with untreated syphilis are more likely to be born prematurely.
Congenital syphilis: Congenital syphilis is a serious infection that can occur in babies born to mothers with untreated syphilis. Symptoms of congenital syphilis can include:
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- Jaundice
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone abnormalities
- Heart problems
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Mental retardation
How to Prevent Congenital Syphilis
The best way to prevent congenital syphilis is to treat pregnant women with syphilis. If you are pregnant and have syphilis, it is important to see a doctor right away so you can be treated.
You can also help prevent congenital syphilis by getting tested for syphilis before you become pregnant. If you are positive for syphilis, you can be treated before you get pregnant and prevent the infection from passing to your baby.
When to See a Doctor
If you are pregnant and you think you may have syphilis, it is important to see a doctor right away. Your doctor can test you for syphilis and recommend treatment if necessary.
Conclusion
Syphilis is a serious infection that can cause serious health problems for pregnant women and their babies. If you are pregnant and you think you may have syphilis, it is important to see a doctor right away so you can be tested and treated.
