Syphilis Screening

What is syphilis screening?

Syphilis screening for pregnant women is a routine part of early prenatal care, usually done with a simple blood test. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can stay hidden in the body for a long time without making you feel sick or showing any obvious signs, like a rash or sores. Because it is possible to have the infection without knowing it, the test is the only way to be sure. If the test comes back positive, it can be treated safely and effectively with antibiotics (usually penicillin), which clears the infection and protects both you and your developing baby.

Why do we need screening for syphilis in pregnancy?

We need this screening because untreated syphilis during pregnancy can be very dangerous. If the infection isn't treated, the bacteria can pass through the placenta to the baby, leading to a condition called congenital syphilis. This can cause very serious health issues for a newborn, such as bone deformities, severe anemia, or problems with the baby’s heart and brain. In some cases, it can unfortunately lead to stillbirth. By testing early in pregnancy, doctors can treat the infection in time to prevent these complications, ensuring your baby is born healthy.