Sexuality transmitted diseases can kill baby and you

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) could be one of the worst nightmares for any expectant woman. One gets STDs through sex, which includes oral and anal, with someone-who is infected.

On the physical front, 57Ds could be life-threatening to both you and your baby, especially if they are not detected and treated early Most healthcare providers will screen you for STDs during your first prenatal visit and if need be, on subsequent visits and put you on the necessary treatment plan, if you are infected.

Now that you or your partner could have strayed, an STD could also affect you psychologically This can threaten the stability of a marriage, resulting in stress.

Gladys Wanambisi, a volunteer social worker with the Kenya Red Cross, says you are likely to take care of yourself better when you’ realise you have been infected. She explains that serious consequences can be avoided with timely treatment.
‘It is important to be aware of the harmful effects of STDs and how to protect yourself and your unborn child against infection,’ she says.

Symptoms
Symptoms of STDs are not always obvious Some symptoms like mouth sores are ambiguous as they could be signs of a common cold. Certain STDs may take after certain pregnancy symptoms that may be a little confusing for you. This is the reason you are encouraged to carry out routine testing, even in the absence of an STD symptom. Generally, you could look out for signs like:

• Lesions, sores, bumps or warts near the mouth, anus or your vaginal areas

• Swelling or redness near the vagina

• Skin rash with or without any pain

• Pain when urinating

• Drastic weight loss

• Dull constant pain, lever, chills or night sweats

• Vaginal bleeding or some form of smelly discharge

• Pam during sexual intercourse

• Severe itching near the vagina

STDs and the baby

Herpes/Genital herpes
Studies have shown that herpes is one of the most common STDs contracted during pregnancy Although it nay not pose any serious risks to the developing foetus, it is unsafe curing delivery as it can be passed on to the baby. If not treated, you have to opt for a Caesarean section during delivery to protect your baby from being infected.

HIV/Aids
Though considered catastrophic by many, HIV/Aids is reasonably manageable nowadays But without proper treatment, your baby will most likely be born with the virus — which can be fatal. Thanks to I recent development medical research, HIV/Aids transmission from mother to child is almost completely curbed. It is therefore very important to ensure you undergo a medical check-up early your baby are safe.

HPV (Genital Warts)
Genital warts are also very common during pregnancy. They appear as small cauliflower-like clusters and in most cases, you feel a burning or itchy sensation when you have them. The warts tend to enlarge during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes in your body. Unlike other STDs, treatment for genital warts may be postponed until you deliver your baby.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia infection may put you at a greater risk of having a miscarriage or pre-term delivery, if not treated. If your baby is exposed to this STD during delivery, chances of getting an infection in the eyes and pneumonia are very high.

Hepatitis B
This is an infection of the liver that ran easily be passed on to your unborn baby through the placenta If you contract hepatitis B, you will most likely give birth prematurely However, if you are screened early enough and put on treatment, chances of passing on the infection to toe unborn baby are reduced. You can also be vaccinated against it

Syphilis
This is a viral infection that can easily be passed on from you to your unborn baby, causing foetal death or a pre-mature birth. The infection could cause serious birth defects that could affect the brain, eyes, ears, skin, heart and bones of the baby

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea in pregnancy can be noticed through vaginal discharge and burning sensation as you urinate This increases chances of miscarriage or pre-term delivery and your baby may be born blind or with joint or blood infection that could be life-threatening

Protecting yourself from STDs:

• Remain faithful to your partner and insisting on honesty, if he strays.

• Abstain from sex when you feel you a threat of contracting an STD. This calls for a lot of dialogue with your partner.

• Use condoms if you have to engage in sexual activities in case you are in doubt

• Do not have multiple sexual partners.

• Get tested for any STD to avoid spreading it, and above all, infecting your unborn baby

• Acquire as much relevant information about STDs as possible so that you are able to notice any symptoms early enough and seek medical help.

END: PG38/6