Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia usually spreads during unprotected sex and can affect both females and males. It is typically asymptomatic and can cause pregnancy risks, such as preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Therefore, it’s essential to understand the risks of chlamydia and pregnancy and learn about safe treatment options.
Pregnancy Risks
A person with chlamydia may have difficulty conceiving, experience ectopic pregnancy, or pass the infection to the baby during childbirth.
Miscarriage
The evidence regarding the association between chlamydia and miscarriage is inconclusive. Some studies suggest that pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) caused by chlamydia may increase the risk of miscarriage, while others show no significant connection.
Preterm Labor
Preterm labor refers to a baby being born premature, and it’s one of the most common risks associated with chlamydia during pregnancy. Some signs of preterm labor include early contractions and water breaking, mucus, blood, or fluid leaking from the vagina, pressure in the pelvis, pain in the lower abdomen, and lower back pain.
Pneumonia in Newborns
If a person has chlamydia during childbirth, the baby could be born with pneumonia and will require urgent care. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the lungs, making it harder for the baby to breathe. This condition can be life-threatening for newborns, so early detection of chlamydia and treatment of the pregnant person are vital.
Low Birth Weight
Chlamydia infection during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and IUGR, all of which contribute to a low birth weight in a newborn baby.
Eye Infections in Newborns
If a person has chlamydia during childbirth, the baby could be born with an eye infection called chlamydial conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum. This eye infection can cause eye redness, swelling, and discharge, as well as blindness in severe cases.
Can Chlamydia Affect a Pregnancy Test?
Chlamydia does not affect the results of a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests identify human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that the placenta produces once a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. The test’s accuracy is not affected by the presence of bacterial infections such as chlamydia.
Chlamydia Treatment During Pregnancy
Chlamydia is treated with a course of antibiotics, and the length of treatment depends on the seriousness of the infection. During pregnancy, chlamydia is often treated using an oral antibiotic called azithromycin, which is safe for both the pregnant person and the baby. A doctor may recommend a complete STI check-up, including HIV. They may also suggest avoiding all sexual contact, including with a condom, for 7 days after initiating treatment, and avoiding sex with any partners from the last 6 months until they have been tested and treated. To prevent health complications, it’s recommended to retest 4 weeks after treatment.
Breastfeeding
It is safe to breastfeed while having chlamydia. The infection does not transmit to the baby through breast milk, so there is no need to stop breastfeeding since it provides significant immune benefits to the baby. Treatment for chlamydia is likewise safe and does not affect breast milk.
Get Safe Treatment for Chlamydia at Equality Health
If you are pregnant and worried that you may have chlamydia or have recently received a positive diagnosis, it’s crucial to seek treatment to minimize complications. At Equality Health, we offer comprehensive and confidential testing and treatment of chlamydia, ensuring both your health and the well-being of your baby. Our compassionate and experienced doctors provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss your concerns, offer accurate diagnoses, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, if left untreated, chlamydia can potentially affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. Untreated chlamydia can lead to PID, which can cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes and the uterus, potentially leading to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. However, early detection and treatment reduce these risks.
Infants who have contracted chlamydia from their parents during pregnancy or childbirth are typically treated with oral antibiotics, specifically erythromycin or azithromycin, for 14 days. If the initial treatment doesn’t cure the infection, a doctor may recommend a second course of antibiotics.
