Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause major health issues if left untreated. This disease can spread to other parts of the human body, leading to further complications such as stroke, hearing loss and blindness.
If a pregnant woman is infected with syphilis, there is a risk of the mother passing this disease to the unborn child. This process is referred to as congenital syphilis. If congenital syphilis occurs, there is a high risk of miscarriage or the baby being stillborn. For the babies that survive childbirth, they may still face further health problems in the future.
Fortunately, there is treatment available for pregnant women that are affected by this disease. Let us explore what expectant mums can do to manage their condition and reduce the risk of congenital syphilis.
Prenatal screenings
It is recommended for pregnant women to undergo prenatal syphilis screening. Early detection enables the doctors to plan out a course of action to manage and treat the illness as soon as possible. Optimal treatment of syphilis can reduce the risk of congenital syphilis by 92%. Managing the disease early also minimises the risk of further complications during pregnancy.
This screening should occur during the first prenatal visit and when the expectant mum is 32 to 36 weeks into her pregnancy. If the result is negative, it will surely provide peace of mind to the whole family. However, if the result is positive, treatment can begin as soon as possible and be more effective.
HIV screenings
Those diagnosed with syphilis are at a higher risk of contracting HIV. Therefore, it is advisable for a pregnant woman to schedule an HIV test separately. There are various STD clinics in Singapore that offer confidential screenings for expectant mums.
Treatment
Long-acting parenteral penicillin G is the recommended medication for treating syphilis in pregnancy. One dose of benzathine penicillin G is administered weekly over 2 weeks to combat early-stage syphilis, with an interval of no more than 10 days before the next injection.
Suppose the disease was already at a later stage when it was detected. In that case, the doctor will increase the quantity to three doses weekly. At this stage, the recommended interval between doses is between 7 to 9 days. However, a more conservative practice is to allow a gap of up to 10 days before administering the next dosage. Should a patient miss her scheduled treatment, she will have to restart the whole process. Therefore, it is vital that a patient follow her treatment schedule and avoid missing a single session.
An extensive study has to be conducted to determine the risk of a life-threatening drug reaction for those with an allergic reaction to penicillin. Penicillin desensitisation will be recommended if the patient is determined to possess moderate to high risk.
Conclusion
Despite the presence of medication, congenital syphilis still represents a worldwide public health issue. Prevention remains the best medicine. It is crucial for expectant mums to continue visiting their doctors regularly to ensure that both the mother and the baby stay healthy.
Specific sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and HIV, can be transmitted from mother to child. Therefore, those looking to start a family should exercise caution and await the result of an STD test first to be assured of their health.
If you suspect you or your partner may be at risk, do not hesitate to visit an STD clinic for a checkup. Contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208 and schedule an appointment for HIV/STD testing today.
