Gonorrhea in pregnancy can cause major complications for the baby, usually including eye damage, blindness and generalized infection if the disease is transmitted at the time of delivery. If the mother with gonorrhea detects the symptoms early, she can have a treatment based on antibiotics, preventing further consequences for the baby.
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoea and, transmitted sexually, highly contagious. It usually affects the cervix, but it can be present in the urethra, rectum, or throat. It can be asymptomatic or cause vaginal discharge, pain and urinary malaise. Know how to recognize the symptoms of gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea in pregnancy is dangerous for the baby?
Gonorrhea in pregnancy is dangerous for the baby, especially if the birth is by normal delivery, as the child can be contaminated by the bacteria present in the genital region of the infected mother, running the risk of causing the baby neonatal conjunctivitis and, sometimes, blindness and generalized infection, in need of intensive treatment.
During pregnancy, although the baby is less likely to be infected, gonorrhea is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, amniotic fluid infection, premature birth, premature rupture of membranes and death of the fetus.
Gonorrhea is also a major cause of pelvic inflammation, which damages the fallopian tubes, leading to ectopic pregnancy and sterility. In the postpartum period there is an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and the spread of infection with joint pain and skin lesions.
Therefore, it is important that the woman is attentive to the symptoms of gonorrhea so that the treatment can be started quickly and the risk of transmitting to the baby decreases.
Treatment for gonorrhea in pregnancy
Treatment for gonorrhea in pregnancy consists of using antibiotics according to the orientation of the gynecologist or obstetrician for a period of time that varies according to the type and severity of the infection. Usually, gonorrhea, if detected early, is limited to the genital region and the most effective treatment is through the use of a single dose of antibiotic.
Some treatment options for gonorrhea are the following antibiotics:
- Penicillin; Ofloxacin 400 mg; Tianfenicol granules 2.5 g; Ciprofloxacin 500 mg; Ceftriaxone 250 mg intramuscularly; Cefotaxime 1 g; Spectinomycin 2 mg.
In view of the complications that gonorrhea can cause to the woman and the baby, it is important that the partner is also treated, sexual intercourse should be avoided until the disease is not resolved, maintain a single sexual partner, use condoms and always follow all guidelines medical conditions throughout pregnancy.
