Chlamydia testing is a routine and recommended part of prenatal care for pregnant individuals. Untreated chlamydia can lead to complications for both the pregnant person and the developing baby. Early detection and treatment help protect the health of both the pregnant individual and the infant.
Why Screening is Vital During Pregnancy
Untreated chlamydia during pregnancy can lead to several complications for the pregnant individual. These can include premature rupture of membranes (PROM), increasing the risk of infection and preterm labor. Additionally, there is a risk of postpartum infection after delivery.
For the baby, there are risks if the infection is passed on during a vaginal birth. The newborn can develop neonatal conjunctivitis, an eye infection that appears 5 to 12 days after birth. This condition can be severe if not treated promptly. Another potential complication for the infant is chlamydia pneumonia, a lung infection that can manifest between a few weeks and several months after birth, often characterized by a cough and respiratory issues. Early identification and treatment of chlamydia in the pregnant individual reduce these health issues for the baby.
The Chlamydia Screening Process
Chlamydia screening is integrated into the initial prenatal visit, often occurring during the first trimester of pregnancy. This helps identify infections promptly. For some individuals, particularly those under 25 years old or those with new or multiple sexual partners, repeat testing may be recommended during the third trimester. This retesting helps to ensure any new infections acquired during pregnancy are detected and treated before delivery.
The testing method for chlamydia is straightforward and involves either a urine sample or a swab. Vaginal or cervical swabs are common, and in some cases, individuals may be able to collect the vaginal swab themselves. This screening is a simple and quick procedure to safeguard health during pregnancy.
Addressing a Positive Chlamydia Diagnosis
If a pregnant individual tests positive for chlamydia, treatment with antibiotics is necessary and effective. Common and safe antibiotics prescribed during pregnancy include azithromycin, given as a single oral dose, or amoxicillin, taken over a seven-day course. Complete the entire course of medication as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Treating all sexual partners simultaneously is also important to prevent re-infection. If partners are not treated, re-infection risk remains high. After completing treatment, a “test of cure” is recommended 3 to 4 weeks later, to confirm the infection has cleared. This follow-up test helps ensure the treatment was successful and provides reassurance that the risks to both the pregnant person and the baby have been reduced.