Quick Answer
Yes, babies can be born with congenital STIs — syphilis, HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B are the most serious. Congenital syphilis is rising in the U.S. (over 3,800 cases in 2023, CDC). All are preventable through prenatal screening and treatment.
- Congenital syphilis: up to 40% of untreated cases end in stillbirth or severe neonatal disease.
- Neonatal herpes: transmission during delivery; can cause severe neurologic damage or death.
- Vertical HIV: <1% transmission with proper ART during pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal period.
- Hepatitis B: infant receives HBV vaccine + HBIG within 12 hours of birth for 95% prevention.
Context Most Pages Skip
Congenital STIs are a failure of prenatal care, not a mystery. Every case represents a missed screening opportunity.
Prevention checklist
Prenatal visit 1: HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B surface antigen, chlamydia, gonorrhea. Third trimester: repeat HIV and syphilis. Delivery: HBV vaccine + HBIG if mother is HBsAg-positive.
⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.