Congenital Syphilis
What Is Congenital Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when syphilis is transmitted from mother to infant during pregnancy and/or at delivery.
Congenital syphilis can cause serious health problems for the baby like miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and/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.
Reporting Congenital Syphilis | Provider Resources | Program Resources | Data and Surveillance | FIMR | Exploring an Epidemic podcast
How Common Is Congenital Syphilis?
In the United States, congenital syphilis (CS) has been on the rise for the last eight years. In 2018, the number of CS cases was the highest since 1995.
In Texas in 2019, the number of CS cases reported was the highest since 1993. In 2019, approximately 1 in 750 Texas babies was born with congenital syphilis.
Do I Need to Get Tested for Syphilis?
Yes. Getting tested for syphilis and other STDs 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.
If you haven’t been tested during these visits, make sure you talk to your doctor about getting tested at your next check-up.
Many people 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.
Getting tested routinely at your annual exam is another way to know your syphilis status. You may need to ask to be tested since syphilis testing is not part of most physicals or Pap tests.
What Should I Do If I Am Diagnosed With Syphilis?
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.
When Should I Start Prenatal Care?
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.
Where Can I Get Tested for Syphilis and Other STDs?
You can find clinics in your area to get tested or find a doctor through Healthy Texas Women.
Facts to Consider
- Syphilis is curable at all stages
- Syphilis can be passed to the baby at any time during the pregnancy
- Congenital syphilis is preventable
Resources
- Congenital Syphilis is on the Rise
- STD testing locations
- Texas Benefits for Pregnant Women
- Healthy Texas Women