Quick Answer

STDs can pass to babies during childbirth through contact with infected blood, vaginal secretions, or lesions. Syphilis crosses the placenta anytime during pregnancy; herpes transmits during vaginal delivery if active lesions; HIV transmits through birth canal fluids; gonorrhea and chlamydia infect the baby's eyes during passage.

  • Syphilis: crosses placenta at any stage — treatment with penicillin prevents congenital syphilis.
  • Herpes: C-section recommended if active lesions or prodromal symptoms present at delivery.
  • HIV: ART during pregnancy + IV during labor + infant prophylaxis + formula feeding = <1% transmission.
  • Gonorrhea/chlamydia: treating the parent before delivery prevents neonatal conjunctivitis.

Context Most Pages Skip

The question of whether to deliver vaginally or by C-section depends on the specific infection and its activity at delivery.

What to ask your OB

By the time you deliver, you should know: your HIV/syphilis/hepatitis B status, whether you have active genital herpes, and whether you were treated for chlamydia/gonorrhea. If any of these are unknown, testing is urgent.

⚕️ 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

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.