January 14th 2021 a campaign known as STIQ day is being launched to get more people thinking about their sexual health. So, it seemed very fitting for our first topic to be on the importance of sexual health during pregnancy. Pregnancy is the very product of sex and yet our sexual health is paid very little attention to during pregnancy. If you have been through pregnancy before you will be aware that when you have your booking appointment with your midwife, you will be given information on screening for infectious diseases, these include Hepatitis B, HIV and Syphilis. However, there are several other STI’s that you can contract before and during pregnancy that are not screened for but can be extremely harmful to your baby during pregnancy, take a look at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds/conditioninfo/infant#:~:text=If%20a%20mother%20has%20an,through%20an%20infected%20birth%20canal for more information on how STI’s can affect your unborn baby.
With this blog entry I aim to cover some of the discussions that, in my opinion, health care professionals should have with ALL expectant mothers, but don’t.
What can I do if I am concerned about my sexual health during my pregnancy?
Whether or not you are concerned about your sexual health during pregnancy, I would recommend having a full sexual health check-up both at the beginning of your pregnancy and towards the end. This means that if you have got an STI it will be picked up right at the beginning of your pregnancy and can be treated as soon as possible. Having a test towards the end of your pregnancy will just give you peace of mind that you can birth your baby in the safest way possible. Speak to your midwife or GP about where your nearest sexual health clinic is.
I am pregnant and have found out that I have contracted an STI, but don’t know where to turn for support
Your initial port of call should be your midwife or GP, they will be able to direct you to support services available. More than likely you will be referred to a sexual health clinic, as they will be able to offer you information, support, testing and medication - if required. Depending on the type of STI you have, you may also be given the option to have an appointment with a consultant who will be able to ensure that procedures are put in place to reduce any risk to your baby during delivery.
I have been diagnosed with an STI that is not curable and I am pregnant, how do I ensure the safety of myself and my baby during my pregnancy?
Most STI’s are curable, however some are not, but they are treatable. This means that you can take medication to manage them. I would recommend letting your midwife or GP know as soon as possible. This way they can refer you to a sexual health practitioner to receive treatment to manage your symptoms and they will also be able to document this on your pregnancy notes so that all health care professionals involved in your care are aware. Having an STI during pregnancy is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about and does not have to determine your pregnancy experience or the way that you give birth. Most expectant mothers who have uncurable STI’s like genital herpes or HIV can still have a vaginal birth, this is something that can be discussed with a consultant before you give birth.
Unless you are advised by your health team, sex is safe in pregnancy and will not affect your baby. Some people find they want to have sex more in pregnancy, some less – The most important thing is to listen to your body.
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