Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. Many individuals experience no symptoms, but untreated chlamydia can lead to health complications. During pregnancy, concerns arise about the infection’s impact on both the pregnant individual and the developing baby. Effective treatments are available to manage chlamydia and protect both.
Potential Harm to the Baby
Chlamydia can pose specific risks to a baby, primarily during delivery. While direct transmission of the infection to the baby within the womb is less common, chlamydia in the pregnant individual has been associated with certain pregnancy complications. These can include premature rupture of membranes, which is when the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins, and an increased risk of preterm birth, meaning the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation. Low birth weight has also been linked to untreated chlamydia during pregnancy.
The most common way a baby contracts chlamydia is during a vaginal birth. As the baby passes through the birth canal, they can come into contact with the bacteria, leading to an infection. This transmission during delivery can result in specific health issues for the newborn.
After birth, if the infection was transmitted, two primary manifestations are chlamydial conjunctivitis and chlamydial pneumonia. Conjunctivitis, an eye infection, typically appears within the first few weeks of life, presenting as redness, swelling, and discharge from the baby’s eyes. If left untreated, this eye infection can become severe. Chlamydial pneumonia, a lung infection, may develop between three weeks and several months after birth, characterized by symptoms such as a persistent cough and difficulty breathing, requiring medical intervention.
Detection and Treatment During Pregnancy
Routine screening for chlamydia is a recommended part of prenatal care, often conducted at the first prenatal visit. This screening helps identify the infection early, even when no symptoms are present, which is common for chlamydia. Healthcare providers typically use a urine test or a swab, such as a vaginal swab, to diagnose the infection.
If a chlamydia infection is detected, specific antibiotics considered safe and effective during pregnancy are prescribed. Medications like azithromycin or amoxicillin are commonly used. The pregnant individual must complete the entire course of medication as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Treatment involves testing and treating all sexual partners simultaneously. This helps prevent re-infection of the pregnant individual, which could lead to repeated exposure and potential complications. Following treatment, a retest is often recommended after several weeks to confirm the infection has successfully cleared.
Prevention and Post-Birth Care
Preventing chlamydia involves practices that reduce exposure risk. Consistent and correct use of barrier methods, such as condoms, during sexual activity helps prevent transmission. Regular screening for sexually active individuals, particularly before or early in pregnancy, also plays a role in prevention and early detection. Open communication with healthcare providers about sexual health history is beneficial.
Should a baby be born to an individual with an active chlamydia infection, specific care steps are taken for the newborn. Prophylactic eye ointment, such as erythromycin, is often applied to the baby’s eyes shortly after birth to help prevent chlamydial conjunctivitis. Healthcare providers also monitor newborns for signs of either conjunctivitis or pneumonia. If a chlamydial infection is diagnosed in the baby, specific antibiotics are administered to treat the infection effectively.