• Herpes

Herpes is a painful breakout of skin rashes anywhere in the body. But you need to be more careful if it happens in the mouth and genital area.

The sores are usually accompanied by pain, itching and burning sensation.

When You Are Pregnant

Since it is an STD, it can even be contracted anytime during pregnancy. So remember to use protection while having intercourse when pregnant.

The herpes virus can get passed on to your developing baby during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can also cause complications during delivery including miscarriage or premature birth.

What to Do

Consult your gynaecologist immediately if you have herpes and try to keep it down by taking anti-viral medicines.

Usually an anti-viral course takes five to six days to completely cure. However, do not forget to consult your gynaecologist. Do not self medicate.

• Gonorrhoea

It is another sexually transmitted disease that needs to be treated immediately, especially if you happen to get it during pregnancy.

When You Are Pregnant

If you have untreated gonorrhoea when you go into labour, there is every possibility of it being passed on to your baby. This mostly affects the newborns in their eyes, which again if left untreated can make it go blind.

What to Do

Gonorrhoea can be treated effectively through antibiotics which can be taken during pregnancy. Most often there may be no visible symptoms. However, if you see any unexplained vaginal discharges, including blood, report it to your gynaecologist and get it tested.