The Effects STD's Have on a Newborn Baby

The Effects STD's Have on a Newborn Baby
By Jamie R Cocco-Dunkleberger

The effects STD's have on a newborn can be detrimental, considering that newborns are much more fragile than a grown adult. The good news is that there is plenty of research and medications to treat the possible effects a newborn may experience should it be passed on to them through the womb. There are also treatment methods that can be used where a newborn will not experience any effects of an STD.

How Does HIV Affect a Newborn?

HIV is probably the most feared STD on the planet. What we often find especially sad is when a child is born with the virus and we know that their chances of surviving more than a few years of their life are pretty slim. HIV breaks down a person's immune system, thus leading them to be more vulnerable to illnesses and less likely to overcome them. The effects this STD has on a newborn would be especially terrifying, since a newborn's immune system is typically much weaker than a grown adult.

The good news is, however, many times if a mother is pregnant with the HIV virus the effects this STD has on a newborn can be limited or even completely avoided due to many medical advancements. Essentially, doctors can often prevent the STD from being transferred to the newborn. Any illnesses that a mother contracts during pregnancy become a priority as far as treatment due to the infected mother being so vulnerable to illnesses.

How Does the Birth Process Determine if a Newborn Will Get an STD?

Some STD's, such as gonorrhea, depend on the actual process of giving birth. The effects this STD has on the newborn can include spreading the infection to the eyes from being pushed through the birth canal. Cesarean sections are often the main solution to avoiding passing on this STD to a newborn baby during birth unless the infection can be taken care of before giving birth.

How Hepatitis B and C can Affect a Newborn Baby

Many STD's such as Hepatitis C and B are linked to premature birth and low birth weight. These effects STD's have on a newborn are risky. When a baby is born premature, they are sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the hospital and provided 24 hour treatment. During this time the newborn's vital signs are monitored, feeding tubes are provided and healthcare specialists try to make sure the baby has the treatment they need. Blood transfusions are also provided since the baby may not have the ability to provide cell growth and development.

Hepatitis B is linked to liver disease and the effects this STD has on a newborn may result in the development of chronic liver disease. Treatment is available for newborns carrying this risk. Therefore, the possibility of preventing the newborn baby to contract liver disease is there both before and after the baby is born.

Preventing the effects STD's have on a newborn starts with prevention. When an infected pregnant mother begins treatment, these risks are minimized significantly. While STD screening is mandatory during pregnancy, it is a good idea to get screened regularly if you at risk for contracting an STD. Regardless of whether you are trying to become pregnant it may just save your life and your unborn baby's life as well.

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