Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Many individuals with chlamydia do not experience symptoms, meaning they can be unaware of their infection. This article clarifies whether chlamydia causes birth defects and details its effects on pregnancy and newborns. Understanding these impacts is important for pregnant individuals and those planning pregnancy.
Chlamydia and Structural Birth Defects
Chlamydia does not typically cause structural birth defects. Structural birth defects are physical abnormalities in a baby’s body structure or organs present at birth, such as heart defects or limb abnormalities. While some studies have explored potential associations between maternal genital tract infections and certain birth defects, strong evidence directly linking chlamydia to structural birth defects is not consistently found. Chlamydia itself is not recognized as a direct cause of these malformations. The primary concerns associated with chlamydia during pregnancy involve other types of complications.
Potential Impacts on Pregnancy and Newborns
While chlamydia does not cause structural birth defects, it can lead to various complications for the pregnant individual and the newborn. Untreated chlamydia in a pregnant person can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs. PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain and increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Chlamydia infection during pregnancy has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes. Preterm birth refers to a baby born before 37 weeks of gestation, and it can increase the risk of health problems for the newborn.
If chlamydia is present in the birth canal during vaginal delivery, the infection can be passed to the baby. This can result in two main conditions in the newborn: ophthalmia neonatorum and chlamydial pneumonia. Ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe eye infection (conjunctivitis) that typically appears 5 to 14 days after birth, causing redness, swelling, and discharge. Chlamydial pneumonia in infants usually develops between 1 and 3 months of age, characterized by a cough, rapid breathing, and can interfere with feeding. Both of these newborn infections are treatable with antibiotics.
Testing and Treatment During Pregnancy
Routine screening for chlamydia is recommended for all pregnant individuals, particularly at their first prenatal visit. This is important because many people with chlamydia do not experience symptoms, making testing the only way to detect the infection. Screening typically involves a urine test or a swab from the vagina or cervix.
Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics that are considered safe for use during pregnancy. A common treatment involves a single oral dose of azithromycin, or a course of amoxicillin may be prescribed as an alternative. Prompt treatment is crucial for both the pregnant individual and the baby to prevent the potential complications discussed earlier. After treatment, a follow-up test, often 3 to 4 weeks later, is recommended to confirm the infection has cleared. It is important for any sexual partners to be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
Preventing Chlamydia Infection
Preventing chlamydia infection is the most effective way to avoid its potential complications for both the pregnant individual and the newborn. Consistent and correct use of condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex significantly reduces the risk of transmission. Mutual monogamy with a partner who has tested negative for chlamydia is another effective prevention strategy.
Regular STI testing is also important, especially for individuals with new or multiple sexual partners, as many chlamydia infections are asymptomatic. Open communication with sexual partners about STI status and testing history can further contribute to prevention efforts. If an infection is suspected or diagnosed, abstaining from sexual activity until treatment is complete and confirmed successful helps prevent further spread.