Can the most serious STDs infect babies?
Many STDs can be passed from an infected woman to fetus, newborn, or infant, before, during or after birth. Some STDs-like syphilis-cross the placenta and infect the fetus during its development. Other STDs-like gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and genital HPV infection-are transmitted from mother to child as the infant passes through the birth canal. HIV infection can cross the placenta during pregnancy, can infect the newborn during the birth process, or unlike other STDs, can infect a child as a result of breast feeding. If an STD in a pregnant woman is detected soon enough, precautions can often be taken so that the disease is not spread to the baby. Newborns infected with syphilis and herpes may suffer severe consequences not completely relieved by treatment, including neurologic damage and death. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause prematurity, eye disease, and pneumonia in infants.
