Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and a long list of health check-ups. One of the most important yet often overlooked screenings is the test for syphilis. While it might seem like a distant concern, undetected syphilis in pregnancy can pose a serious threat to your unborn baby.
The good news is that with early detection and treatment, you can protect your child from harm. This guide provides clear, essential information on why a syphilis test during pregnancy is vital, what the risks are, and how simple treatment can ensure a healthy start for your little one.
What Is Syphilis and How Is It Transmitted?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is often called “the great imitator” because its symptoms can look like many other diseases.
Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Importantly for expectant mothers, the infection can also be passed from a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy.
Syphilis Symptoms in Women You Shouldn’t Ignore
One of the biggest challenges with syphilis is that its symptoms can be mild or go unnoticed. The infection progresses in stages, and the syphilis symptoms in women can vary:
- Primary Stage: The first sign is typically a single, small, painless sore (called a chancre) where the infection entered the body. It can appear on the genitals, anus, or in the mouth. It usually heals on its own within 3 to 6 weeks, which can falsely lead people to believe the infection is gone.
- Secondary Stage: A few weeks after the sore heals, you may experience a non-itchy rash on your palms and soles, or other parts of your body. Other symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, and fatigue. These symptoms will also go away without treatment, but the infection remains.
- Latent and Late Stages: If left untreated, syphilis moves into a latent (hidden) stage with no symptoms, which can last for years. Eventually, it can progress to the late stage, causing severe damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.
How Syphilis in Pregnancy Affects Your Baby
When a pregnant woman has syphilis, the infection can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. This is known as congenital syphilis, and it can have devastating consequences.
The risks of untreated syphilis in pregnancy include:
- Miscarriage (losing the baby during pregnancy)
- Stillbirth (a baby who is born deceased)
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Death shortly after birth
Babies born with congenital syphilis who survive can face lifelong health problems, including deformed bones, severe anemia, blindness, deafness, and developmental delays.
The Importance of the Syphilis Test During Pregnancy
Given the severe risks, health authorities recommend that all pregnant women get a syphilis test during pregnancy. This is a simple, routine blood test performed at your first prenatal visit. In some high-risk cases, doctors may recommend testing again later in the pregnancy.
Screening is the only way to know for sure if you have syphilis, especially since the symptoms can be absent or easily missed. Early detection is the key to protecting your baby.
Treating Syphilis During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?
If you test positive, you may feel scared and overwhelmed, but it’s important to know that there is a safe and effective cure. Treating syphilis during pregnancy is not only possible but crucial.
The treatment is a simple course of the antibiotic penicillin.
- It is safe for both you and your baby during all stages of pregnancy.
- It is highly effective at curing the infection in the mother and, in most cases, preventing the transmission to the baby.
The earlier you are treated, the better the outcome for your baby’s health.
When to See a Doctor
It is essential to seek medical care immediately if you:
- Are pregnant and have not yet had your first prenatal visit.
- Notice any sores, rashes, or other symptoms described above.
- Suspect you or your partner have been exposed to syphilis or any other STI.
Regular prenatal care is the best way to ensure both your health and your baby’s health are monitored and protected throughout your pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Published on September 15, 2019 and Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by: Priyank Pandey
