Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when syphilis is transmitted from mother to infant during pregnancy or at delivery.

CS can cause serious health problems for the baby like miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or birth defects. Not all babies born with congenital syphilis will show symptoms at birth.

There is treatment for babies with CS, but they need to be treated right away, or they could develop serious health problems months or even years later. It is also important that babies get the proper follow-up care based on medical advice.
 

In the United States, congenital syphilis (CS) has been on the rise for the last eight years. In 2022, approximately 1 in 750 Texas babies were born with CS. For more information on the number of babies affected by CS in Texas, please visit the Congenital Syphilis dashboard.

Yes. Getting tested for syphilis and other STIs is part of routine prenatal care. All pregnant women are required by Texas law to be tested for syphilis three times during pregnancy: 

• At the first prenatal visit,
• In the third trimester (no sooner than 28 weeks’ gestation or six and half months into your pregnancy), and
• Again at delivery.

You can have syphilis and not know it. Some people have symptoms like a sore or a rash, but the only way to know for sure if you have syphilis is to get a simple blood test.

If you haven’t been tested during these visits, make sure you talk to your doctor about getting tested at your next check-up.

If you are not currently pregnant, getting tested routinely at your annual exam is another way to know your syphilis status before pregnancy. You may need to ask to be tested since syphilis testing is not part of most physicals or Pap tests.

As soon as you think you might be pregnant you should go to the doctor. Starting care early and getting frequent check-ups will help you and your baby stay healthy. If you are worried about the cost of care or do not have insurance, find out more about Texas Benefits or call 877-345-7734 (Texas Pregnancy Care Network). You can also review available Texas Benefits online.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, be sure to get treatment right away and complete treatment following medical advice. If you are pregnant, your baby gets treated when you get treated.

Syphilis can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Make sure your sex partner(s) are treated too. Your local health department can help with getting your partner(s) tested and treated.

You can find clinics in your area to get a test or find a doctor through Healthy Texas Women.