Is there a possibility that I could have chlamydia but not know about it?

Yes, there is. Many women who are affected by this infection do not have any signs at all, so pregnancy screening is very important even if you feel absolutely fine.

Could chlamydia harm my baby?

If not treated, it could result in preterm labour and transmission of the infection from you to your child during delivery. However, with appropriate treatment, these risks are minimised.

Should I feel ashamed about having chlamydia?

No, there is no need to. It is a very common infection that your doctor will be able to treat very efficiently.

Chlamydia in Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks and Treatment

A positive diagnosis for an infection that you are not aware of can certainly be scary while you are pregnant. If you have recently been diagnosed with a chlamydia infection, here is something that you must know: diagnosing and treating chlamydia early can help keep you and your baby healthy.

What Is Chlamydia?

According to Dr Gade, Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease is one of the most common infections discovered when testing women during pregnancy, and the difficulty lies in the fact that a lot of women have no visible signs of its presence at all.

The signs that appear may be the following:

Strange vaginal discharge
Pain during urination
Unusual vaginal bleeding

Because symptoms are hard to identify, pregnancy screening is more important than symptoms in detecting this infection.

Why Does It Matter To You And Your Baby?

If left untreated during pregnancy, chlamydia infection can lead to the following complications, as noted by Dr Gade:

Premature birth
Early rupture of membranes
Low birth weight of baby

The infection can also transfer to the baby during birth, resulting in conjunctivitis (an eye infection) in the baby or, rarely, pneumonia.

These complications look scary on paper, yet they are the reasons for screening and treatment to exist.

Reasons Why This Is Nothing To Be Embarrassed About

Dr Gade is firm when he says that there is nothing to panic over and nothing to be embarrassed about when diagnosed with chlamydia. It is simply a condition that requires proper attention and treatment, just as any other condition which your doctor screens for when you are pregnant. Being open to your doctor and not feeling embarrassed to discuss the issue allows you to receive timely help.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience:

Unusual discharge, burning during urination, abnormal bleeding which is not associated with menstruation.
Positive results from a test for chlamydia but no treatment has been started.
Treatment completed, but you don't know whether further tests are required.
Concerns regarding possible effects on your baby.

Your doctor will help you undergo testing, treatment, and further follow-up if needed.

A pregnancy with chlamydia is very frequent, treatable and manageable with proper care. The main thing is not to be silent about it and get a chance to handle it together with your doctor.

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FAQs on Chlamydia In Pregnancy: What Every Expecting Mother Should Know

Is there a possibility that I could have chlamydia but not know about it?
Yes, there is. Many women who are affected by this infection do not have any signs at all, so pregnancy screening is very important even if you feel absolutely fine.
Could chlamydia harm my baby?
If not treated, it could result in preterm labour and transmission of the infection from you to your child during delivery. However, with appropriate treatment, these risks are minimised.
Should I feel ashamed about having chlamydia?
No, there is no need to. It is a very common infection that your doctor will be able to treat very efficiently.