Syphilis and Pregnancy: What Every Expectant Mom Should Know

Finding out you have syphilis while you’re pregnant can feel like a nightmare. The good news is that early detection and proper care can keep both you and your baby safe. This guide walks you through the risks, the signs to watch for, and the treatment steps that work during pregnancy.

First off, remember that syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through sexual contact. If left untreated, it can cross the placenta and reach the unborn child. That’s why routine prenatal screening includes a simple blood test for syphilis – it’s quick, cheap, and can catch the infection before it causes trouble.

How syphilis harms a developing baby

When the bacteria reach the baby, they can cause a condition called congenital syphilis. Symptoms may show up at birth or later in life. Newborns might be born with a rash, fever, or swollen liver and spleen. In severe cases, the infection can lead to stillbirth, premature birth, or developmental problems.

Even if your baby looks fine at birth, congenital syphilis can still hide in the body and cause issues months later, like bone problems or neurological damage. That’s why doctors treat both mother and baby, even if the baby seems healthy.

One of the biggest fears is that the infection can be passed on through the placenta during any stage of pregnancy, but the risk is highest in the second and third trimesters. Early treatment drops the chance of transmission dramatically, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear before getting tested.

Safe treatment options during pregnancy

The standard treatment for syphilis in pregnancy is penicillin. It’s safe for both the mother and the fetus and has been used for decades. Usually, doctors give a single dose of benzathine penicillin G for early-stage infection, or multiple weekly doses for later stages.

If you’re allergic to penicillin, don’t panic. Your doctor can arrange a desensitization process that makes you able to receive penicillin safely. Alternative antibiotics aren’t as reliable for preventing transmission to the baby, so most experts stick with penicillin after desensitization.

After treatment, you’ll need follow‑up blood tests to make sure the infection is gone. Your doctor will check your levels at 6, 12, and sometimes 24 months after therapy. The baby will also get a series of blood tests and possibly a dose of penicillin right after birth, even if the mother’s treatment was successful.

While you’re on medication, keep an eye on any side effects like rash or stomach upset, and let your healthcare provider know right away. Most people tolerate penicillin well, but it’s always good to be prepared.

Beyond medication, there are practical steps you can take: practice safe sex, avoid sharing needles, and tell any sexual partners about the infection so they can get tested too. These habits protect you from future infections and help stop syphilis from spreading in your community.

In short, a syphilis diagnosis during pregnancy is serious but manageable. Get tested early, follow your doctor’s treatment plan, and keep up with follow‑up visits. By staying proactive, you give your baby the best chance at a healthy start.