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Fact Sheet: Pregnancy and STDs

Understanding Pregnancy and STDs

Pregnancy does not give pregnant women protection from contracting an STD. They can be infected with the same STDs as their non-pregnant female counterparts, including herpes and HIV.

Unfortunately, since many STDs have no symptoms, women may not know that they are infected. Here’s what pregnant women need to know about pregnancy and an STD diagnosis.

Will My STD Affect My Unborn Baby?

Having an STD while pregnant can pose pregnancy complications and can have a detrimental effect on both you and your baby. While some problems may be prevalent at birth, other issues may not surface until months or years later. Receiving regular medical care during pregnancy can reduce the risk of serious complications.

Will I Be Tested for STDs During My Pregnancy?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended guidelines for STD screening among pregnant women. If you are concerned about your risk of developing an STD or think you may have contracted an STD while pregnant, speak to your doctor immediately so that proper testing can be done. Although you may have had STD testing in the past, it’s still important to be tested again when you become pregnant.

Can I Reduce My Risk of Getting an STD While Pregnant?

The only surefire way to prevent an STD is to refrain from sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of contracting an STD by:

  • Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STDs
  • Properly using latex condoms

If You’ve Contracted an STD, We Are Here to Help

In California and other states around the country, it is a crime to expose someone to an STD willfully. If you contracted an STD from a partner who did not inform you of their status or refused to wear protection, you might be entitled to pursue legal action.

At KMD Law, we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve to move on from your situation. We have extensive experience in this area of the law, and we’re here to protect your privacy and provide you with the support and guidance you need you every step of the way.

Contact us today at (833) 456-3529 to schedule a consultation.

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