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ABOUT CHLAMYDIA AND PREGNANCY

Chlamydia is a serious sexually transmitted disease or, to be more precise, a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria named Chlamydia trachomatis. In both sexes untreated Chlamydia can lead to infertility and irrevocable damage to reproductive organs. However, the condition poses further serious treats to pregnant women. Though a heavy dosage of antibiotics may cure Chlamydia, at times the damage is already done because this disease is at times very difficult to detect. Most pregnant women often face urinary tract infections and because Chlamydia mimics the same symptoms, many women do not really seek medication at all.

This is why for pregnant women it is highly recommended to do a regular Chlamydia test, even if they see no symptoms. If not, you and your baby can be in serious danger from these deadly bacteria. The bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis, can rupture the uterus membrane which can lead to premature delivery. This may be fatal for your newborn baby and sometime even you. Most pregnant women who give birth pass on the infection to their babies. The baby passes through the vagina and comes in contact with the vaginal fluids. These fluids carry the bacteria and Chlamydia is passed on to the babies. Here are a few problems that your child and you can face:

LOW WEIGHT DURING BIRTH

Due to the bacteria, mothers suffering from Chlamydia often give birth prematurely. Also, the baby can be very underweight due to the infection. Also, the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria can cause further infection in the baby’s lungs, genitals ears and eyes.

NEONATAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

One of the serious effects of Chlamydia bacteria coming in contact with the baby’s eyes is neonatal conjunctivitis. The symptoms will be noticed within 10 days ted with and the baby’s eyes will be swollen. A discharge may come out of the eyes because of the infections and the eyes would appear to be irritated and red. Head to the doctor the minute you suspect conjunctivitis as it may cause permanent scarring and sometimes blindness too.

NEONATAL PNEUMONIA

If you are infected with Chlamydia then chances are that you will pass on the bacteria to your newborn baby as well. The baby might contract serious lung infection causing pneumonia. Also, since a newborn doesn’t have good immunity chances are that if the baby contracts neonatal pneumonia he or she will also get neonatal conjunctivitis.