In case you have any of the following STIs, make sure you take necessary treatments to lower the chances of it being passed on to your child.

Learn about what all pre-natal tests needs to be taken.

 

• Hepatitis B

It is a viral disease that affects the liver. In most cases, people recover on their own. But if your condition is chronic, it can result in severe damage to the liver, including chances of liver cancer.

As of now, there is no cure. However, there is a Hepatitis B vaccination to use as a preventive measure.

When You Are Pregnant

If you have Hepatitis B and are pregnant, there is a serious possibility that it will get transmitted to your unborn child through the umbilical cord.

The chances of infection increase specifically during vaginal delivery when your baby will come in contact with the vaginal fluid and blood.

If you do not get vaccinated, your child can carry the infection on to adulthood when the signs of the disease starts appearing, such as jaundice, fever, loss of appetite, joint pains etc.

What to Do

If you are pregnant, get your blood tested for HBV. If you are, the doctor will advise you to get the vaccination done. This gives almost complete protection from the transfer of infection to your baby.

The vaccination per se won't have any affect on your child or the progress of your pregnancy. And you can also continue to breastfeed your child without any fear or doubt of transmitting the virus.

• HIV

If you are an HIV positive mother, you can pass on the virus to your child. However, you can minimise the risk to your baby with a little care.

Here's What you need to do if yours is an HIV Positive Pregnancy

When You Are Pregnant

You can pass the virus to your child through the placenta during pregnancy, during delivery through the vaginal fluids and while breastfeeding.

Also Read: "I am HIV+. My Baby is Healthy."

What to Do

Go for the popular and cheapest treatment available -  the Anti Retro Viral three drug therapy (ARV). And as a follow up to that opt for a selective C-section over a natural delivery to avoid the passing of virus through body fluids.