Gonorrhea during pregnancy, when not properly identified and treated, can pose a risk to the baby at the time of delivery, as the baby can acquire the bacteria as it passes through the infected vaginal canal and may develop eye damage, blindness, middle ear infection. and widespread infection, for example. Therefore, it is important that if a woman develops signs and symptoms of gonorrhea during pregnancy, go to the obstetrician to make the diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment, which is usually done with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is transmitted vaginally, orally or sexually unprotected, i.e. without a condom. Most of the time, gonorrhea is asymptomatic, but it can also cause certain signs and symptoms, such as foul-smelling, burning vaginal discharge or a feeling of urination. Be aware of the symptoms of gonorrhea.
- Gonorrhea during pregnancy is dangerous for the baby.
- Especially if childbirth is done by normal delivery.
- As the child may be contaminated with bacteria present in the genital area of the infected mother.
- With the risk of causing neonatal conjunctivitis of the baby and sometimes blindness.
- And a widespread infection that requires intensive treatment.
During pregnancy, although the baby is less likely to become infected, gonorrhea is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, amniotic fluid infection, premature birth, premature rupture of membranes, and death of the fetus. Gonorrhea is also a major cause of pelvic inflammation, which damages the fallopian tubes, resulting in ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
In the postpartum period, there is an increased risk of inflammatory pelvic disease and the spread of infection with joint pain and skin lesions. Therefore, it is important that a woman is attentive to the symptoms of gonorrhea so that treatment can be started quickly and the risk of transmission to the baby decreases. Learn more about gonorrhea.
Treatment of gonorrhea during pregnancy involves the use of antibiotics on the advice of the gynecologist or obstetrician over a period that varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. Gonorrhea, if detected early, is usually limited to the genital area and the most effective treatment is to use a single dose of antibiotic. Treatment options, which should be recommended by your doctor, for gonorrhea include:
Given the complications that gonorrhea can cause to the woman and the baby, it is important that the partner is also treated, sexual intercourse should be avoided until the disease is resolved, maintain a single sexual partner, use condoms and always follow all medical conditions at all times. pregnancy.