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Gonorrhea during pregnancy, when it is not identified and treated correctly, can pose a risk to the baby at the time of delivery, because the baby can acquire the bacteria when it passes through the infected vaginal canal, which can develop eye injuries, blindness, otitis media and generalized infection, for example. Therefore, it is important that if the woman has signs and symptoms of gonorrhea during pregnancy, go to the obstetrician to make the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment, which is usually done with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal intercourse, that is, without a condom. Most of the time gonorrhea is asymptomatic, however it can also lead to the appearance of some signs and symptoms such as vaginal discharge with a bad smell and pain or burning to urinate. Know how to identify gonorrhea symptoms.
Risks of gonorrhea in pregnancy
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, at 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. Learn more about gonorrhea.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for gonorrhea in pregnancy consists of using antibiotics according to the guidance 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, which should be recommended by the doctor, for gonorrhea are the following antibiotics:
- Penicillin;
- Ofloxacin 400 mg;
- Granulated Tianfenicol 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.