Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through genital, oral and anal sex. Although curable, chlamydia symptoms in women include an increase in vaginal discharge, an inflamed cervix, a need to frequently urinate, painful sexual intercourse, lower abdominal pains and irregular menstrual bleeding. If left untreated, those infected with chlamydia are more susceptible to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Having chlamydia while pregnant can pose several health risks to both mother and baby. Pregnant women with chlamydia may experience preterm birth and/or premature membrane rupture, an increased risk of miscarriage and higher rates of infection of the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid. During birth, women infected with chlamydia can pass on the infection to their babies. Studies have shown that up to 50% of babies born to mothers with untreated chlamydia end up contracting the infection as well. Babies born to women infected with chlamydia are highly susceptible to developing pneumonia and/or eye infections shortly after birth. If treated immediately with antibiotics, infected babies are eventually cured. Additionally, women are also at an increased risk of developing a uterine infection after they give birth.