Dear expectant parents,

There's a topic that isn't often discussed, but is oh so important for your health and that of your little one: sexually transmitted diseases (stds), especially gonorrhea. It may feel a little awkward to talk about this, but Midwives Lelystad we feel it is our duty to tell you everything you need to know for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Knowledge is power, and we want your journey to parenthood to be as smooth as possible.

Gonorrhea is an STD that can not only affect the mother-to-be, but can also pose risks to the baby. Spotting and treating this infection in time is a must for a good start. In this article, we will tell you what gonorrhea is, how it can affect your pregnancy, and what you can do to protect yourself and your baby. We hope that this will help you start this special time with confidence and peace of mind. Let's work together to ensure a strong start!

Gonorrhea and pregnancy: the must-knows

Gonorrhea is a common STD that can cause extra hassle during pregnancy – for both you and your baby. It’s good to know what you’re dealing with and how to act smart. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious problems, such as premature delivery, a baby who is underweight, or even passing the infection on to your little one at birth.

What's tricky: the signs of gonorrhea are not always clear. Sometimes you don't notice much, and that makes it difficult to discover it quickly. That's why it's smart to get tested for STDs regularly during your pregnancy, especially if you've had multiple partners or if you're not sure about your partner. Fortunately, gonorrhea is easy to treat, even if you're pregnant. With the right antibiotics - which are safe for you and your baby - you can get rid of it again. Here are a few smart moves: safe sex and check with your doctor often.

Here is a table explaining it per phase:

Pregnancy stage	Risks without treatment
Start	Chance of premature delivery or miscarriage
Middle	Higher risk of premature birth and a light baby
End	Infection can pass to your baby at birth – think eye problems or worse

By being alert and taking action, you keep the risks small. Talk openly with your doctor, get tested, and take action if necessary. This will ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy start for your baby.

Some extra context: gonorrhea comes from a bacterium, *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, that likes to nest in mucous membranes – like your genitals, throat, or eyes. It’s super contagious, especially through sex, and pregnancy doesn’t make you immune. In fact, your body is a little more susceptible, so it’s smart to pay extra attention. Your chances of getting it depend on your lifestyle, but it can happen to anyone – no need to be ashamed, just take action.

And did you know that gonorrhea doesn’t just affect your health? If it goes to your baby, it can cause an eye infection at birth – called conjunctivitis – which can even cause blindness if left untreated. That sounds serious, but it can be prevented with a simple test and treatment. In the Netherlands, you often get a standard STD check during your first pregnancy check, but if you are at risk – for example through a new partner – ask for an extra test yourself. It’s a small effort for a big result.

How to keep gonorrhea away from you and your baby?

As a future mother, you want to do everything you can to keep yourself and your baby safe – including against infections such as gonorrhea. This STD can be passed from you to your baby during delivery, and that can cause serious problems. But don't panic – you can really reduce the risk with a few smart steps. It starts with testing: as soon as you know you are pregnant, get an STD check done. This can be done at your GP or the GGD. Yes, it may feel a bit awkward, but it is a small price to pay for a healthy you and baby.

Prevention is key, and this is what you can do:

Check-ups: Visit your doctor often and tell him what you feel – no question is too crazy.
Condoms: Use them during sex, even if you are pregnant, unless you are sure about your partner.
Therapy: Test positive? Follow your medications exactly and have your partner checked too.

It’s not just about now – you want to keep a clean slate after birth, too. With these steps, you’ll keep gonorrhea at bay and give your baby a great start.

Let’s dig a little deeper: why is this such a thing? Gonorrhea can be sneaky – you may not even notice it, but it can infect your pelvis, making your pregnancy harder. And your baby? That eye infection is no joke – it’s called *ophthalmia neonatorum* and can cause permanent damage if you don’t take quick action. Thankfully, in many countries newborns are given standard eye drops to combat this type of bacteria, but prevention is better than cure.

When you’re pregnant, your body changes – your immune system works differently, and that makes you a bit more susceptible. Sexual contact with a partner who has gonorrhea, even without knowing it, can transmit it. Condoms are your best friend here – they’re not 100% foolproof, but they do make the risk a lot smaller. And if you do have it? Antibiotics like ceftriaxone are safe and work quickly, but your partner needs to come with you – otherwise it can bounce back.

It’s all about awareness. You may think, “That won’t happen to me,” but STDs don’t look at who you are. A test is a simple swab or pee – no big deal, but it can change everything. And talk to your partner – being open about these things keeps you both healthy. It’s a team effort for a happy baby.

Finally

We hope this article has opened your eyes and given you some peace. Pregnancy is an adventure, and at Verloskundigen Lelystad in De Koploper we want it to be a beautiful, healthy ride. Do you have any questions about gonorrhea, what it can do when you are pregnant, or anything else about your pregnancy? Feel free to call us - we are there with firm care and a warm heart. Good preparation and a quick approach take away worries. Give yourself and your little miracle the best start - you deserve it!