Get Tested! Protect You and Your Baby
When we are 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 and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) are rarely discussed; however, they are on the rise in Canada. The most common bacterial STIs in Canada are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Syphilis rates have also spiked across Canada over the last ten years, including within the Middlesex-London community.
Anyone who is sexually active, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can be affected by STBBIs, including women in their reproductive years. It is possible to have an STBBI without knowing it, as symptoms can be mild, absent or mistaken for another infection. If left untreated, STBBIs can cause serious health issues, and during pregnancy, can increase the risk of complications for babies. For example, congenital syphilis occurs when the infection is passed from a pregnant person to their fetus during pregnancy or to their baby during childbirth. If not detected or treated, it can lead to fetal loss, birth defects, developmental delays and other serious long term health problems.
The good news is that STBBIs are largely preventable and treatable. Testing for sexually transmitted infections and prenatal care are key to maintaining good health, and may involve either a urine sample, swab or a small blood draw. All pregnant women should be screened for STBBIs, starting early in pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider honestly about your risk to determine whether further testing is needed. More frequent testing may be recommended if there is an ongoing risk of infection. Treatment may involve antibiotics or antiviral medicine, as well as additional measures to protect your baby.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of STBBI transmission is to use protection during sex (such as condoms or dental dams). However, some STBBIs, such as syphilis, can also spread through contact with other areas of the body not covered by a condom. Anyone diagnosed with syphilis should inform their sexual partners so they can be tested.
Testing – and, if necessary, treatment – is advised during every pregnancy to stay protected from sexually transmitted infections and to help maintain overall good health. For more information, visit https://www.healthunit.com/sexual-health/sexually-transmitted-infections/.
Book a free STBBI Test today! Contact:
- your healthcare provider,
- the Sexual Health Clinic at MLHU 519-663-5317 or visit www.healthunit.com
- GetaKit (https://getakit.ca/) available in Middlesex-London region
References:
Canadian Paediatric Society. (2024, March 28). Position Statement: Diagnosis and management of congenital syphilis – Avoiding missed opportunities. https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/congenital-syphilis.
Government of Canada. (2025, April 15). Syphilis guide: Key information and resources. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/syphilis.html#a1.2.
Public Health Ontario. (2024, February). Maternal and Early Congenital Syphilis in Ontario: 2020-2022 Findings from Retrospective Case Reviews. https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/C/24/congenital-maternal-syphilis-2020-2022.pdf?rev=e8910e62cf164cd28c4e89c358dd51ac&sc_lang=en.
Office on Women’s Health. (2015). Sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Office on Women’s Health. https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/stis-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding
World Health Organization. (2025, May 29). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). World Health Organization; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
Submitted by Jessica Wijesundera, Health Promotion Specialist and Sarah Neil, RN, Public Health Nurse, from the Middlesex-London Health Unit
