Passing on infections from mother to foetus
STIs
You can infect the foetus if an STI is not treated. It can be dangerous for the foetus if the STI is not treated. If you know you have an STI, talk to your general practitoner or midwife. They can help you to take the right steps to protect the foetus.
Most STIs can be treated during pregnancy without any danger for the foetus, except for hepatitis B. In the case of hepatitis B, the baby will be vaccinated after birth.
Herpes in the vagina in the last 3 months of pregnancy can be dangerous for the foetus. Contact your midwife or gynaecologist immediately.
A pregnant woman is always tested for several STIs. If you want a test for a specific STI, you have to ask your midwife or gynaecologist.
A pregnant woman is always tested for several STIs. If you want a test for a specific STI, you have to ask your doctor.
HIV
If you have HIV, you can still have children who are born without HIV:
- A pregnant woman with HIV has to take medicines during pregnancy and delivery. In this case, more than 99% of babies are born without HIV.
- The baby will usually be born by caesarean section. The baby can also be born naturally if the doctor thinks it is safe.
- The baby is given medicines after birth.
- The mother cannot breast-feed her child. The breast-milk contains HIV. There are other ways to bond with your baby.
A pregnant woman with HIV has to take medicines during pregnancy.
The baby will sometimes be born by caesarean section.
The baby is given medicines after birth.
The mother cannot breast-feed her child. The breast-milk contains HIV.
The mother bottle-feeds the baby.