Protect Your Baby from Gonorrhea

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that more than 800,000 people in the U.S. get gonorrhea each year. This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). People between the ages of 15 and 24 years have the highest risk.

If a pregnant woman gets gonorrhea and doesn't get treatment, this can cause problems. These include miscarriage, preterm birth, or having her water break too early. Also, the baby could get the STI during birth. This can cause eye infections. These can lead to blindness and joint infections in the baby. It can even cause a life-threatening blood infection in your child.

Ask your healthcare provider about getting tested for STIs, including gonorrhea. Testing is simple. Treatment with antibiotics often cures the infection. This prevents problems for you and your baby.