Chlamydia during pregnancy

A pregnancy brings many changes, and the health of both mother and baby is paramount. When there is a chlamydia infection, it is important to take it seriously. Chlamydia does not always cause symptoms, which means an infection can sometimes go unnoticed.

Fortunately, chlamydia during pregnancy can usually be treated successfully if the infection is discovered in time. Therefore, it is important to know what risks exist and when testing is advisable.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection is usually transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Many people do not notice an infection. As a result, the bacterium can be present for a longer period without anyone being aware of it.

Can you be pregnant and have chlamydia without symptoms?

Yes. Just like outside of pregnancy, chlamydia often does not cause clear symptoms.

Some women experience symptoms such as pain when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or abdominal pain, but many infections are completely asymptomatic.

As a result, an infection is sometimes only discovered during an examination or an STI test.

Why is chlamydia important during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it is important to detect infections as early as possible. An untreated chlamydia infection can pose risks for both mother and child.

How great these risks are varies per situation. Therefore, a possible infection is always taken seriously.

Possible risks for the mother

When chlamydia remains untreated, the bacteria can cause inflammation in the reproductive organs.

Possible complications include:

• Inflammation of the cervix.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Complications related to the pregnancy.

Timely treatment helps to minimize these risks as much as possible.

Possible risks for the baby

If a mother has an active chlamydia infection during childbirth, there is a possibility that the bacterium will be transmitted to the baby.

This can lead to health problems that require medical attention.

Precisely for this reason, it is important to detect and treat an infection in a timely manner.

When should you get tested?

A test may be advisable when:

• You have had unprotected sex.
• A sexual partner has tested positive for chlamydia.
• You have symptoms that could indicate an STI.
• You have previously had a chlamydia infection.
• You want certainty during your pregnancy.

Even without symptoms, a test can be useful if there is a possible risk.

How is chlamydia tested during pregnancy?

A chlamydia test during pregnancy is performed in the same way as outside of pregnancy. Depending on the situation, a urine sample or a vaginal swab is used.

The collected material is examined in a laboratory to determine if the bacterium is present.

Can chlamydia be treated during pregnancy?

Yes. If an infection is detected, a doctor can assess which treatment is suitable during pregnancy.

It is important to use any medication strictly according to medical advice and to complete the full course of treatment.

Should my partner also be tested?

When a chlamydia infection is diagnosed, it is often advisable for the partner to also get tested.

This way, it can be prevented that the infection is retransmitted after the treatment is completed.

Frequently asked questions about chlamydia during pregnancy

Is chlamydia dangerous during pregnancy?

An untreated infection can carry risks. Therefore, timely detection and treatment are recommended.

Can you have chlamydia without symptoms during pregnancy?

Yes. Many women do not notice an infection.

Can my baby get infected?

Transmission during childbirth is possible if an active infection is present.

Can chlamydia be treated during pregnancy?

Yes. A doctor can assess which treatment is suitable.

Should my partner also get tested?

It is often recommended to prevent reinfection.

Certainty during your pregnancy

Because chlamydia often occurs without symptoms, an infection can be present unnoticed. Have you been at risk or are you unsure about a possible infection? Then a timely test can provide clarity and help protect both your health and that of your baby.