Get Tested! Protect You and Your Baby

By Middlesex-London Health Unit

When we’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, information comes at us from every angle. Well-meaning friends and family, health care professionals, social media influencers and websites all provide advice on preparing our bodies, homes, pets and finances for the impending arrival.

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are rarely discussed, yet syphilis, a sexually transmissible infection, is on the rise in Canada. Anyone who is sexually active, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can be affected, including women in their reproductive years (i.e., 18-39 years of age). It is possible to have syphilis and not know it, since symptoms can be mild or there may not be any symptoms. It is also possible to mistake a syphilis infection for another infection. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health issues, which is why getting tested is so important.

When a pregnant person is infected with syphilis, it can lead to serious health risks for the baby. Congenital syphilis occurs when the infection is passed from a pregnant person to their fetus during pregnancy or to their baby during childbirth. If congenital syphilis is not detected or treated, it can lead to fetal death, birth defects, developmental delays and other serious long term health problems.

The good news is that syphilis is both preventable and curable. Testing for syphilis involves a simple blood test. All pregnant women should be screened for syphilis in the first trimester. Talk to your health care provider honestly about your risk of contracting syphilis to determine whether further testing at 28 to 32 weeks and at birth is needed. You should be tested more frequently if there is an ongoing risk of infection.

The spread of syphilis can be prevented by having protected sex (with a condom or dental dam). However, syphilis can also spread through contact with other areas of the body not covered by a condom. Anyone diagnosed with syphilis should inform any sexual partners so they can be tested. For more information, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/syphilis.html.

Testing – and, if necessary, treatment – is advised during every pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis.

Get Tested! Protect You and Your Baby.

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