What are the risks for the mother?
Chlamydia infection before or during pregnancy can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which can become sticky and thus lead to infertility. Chlamydia can also lead to so-called ectopic (Greek: not at the physiological site) pregnancies. Here the fertilised egg does not nest in the uterus, but remains in the fallopian tube or enters the abdominal cavity. These pregnancies must be terminated by medication or surgery, as there is a high risk of bleeding for the mother and the embryo cannot be adequately nourished. In the puerperium or after an abortion, an inflammation of the inner wall of the uterus can also occur.
What needs to be considered after the birth?
Therapy with antibiotics before birth cures the disease and usually offers sufficient protection for mother and child. Nevertheless, the child should be well observed after birth. Symptoms such as conjunctivitis, pneumonia or otitis media in the first month of life should make one think of a chlamydial infection.
In addition, a chlamydia infection in the mother can also pose a risk to the baby after birth because the bacteria can be transmitted during breastfeeding. It is therefore important that chlamydia infections detected after birth are treated with antibiotics early on. The paediatrician should also be informed so that the newborn baby can be treated immediately.
How do I recognize a Chlamydia infection?
Chlamydia infection of the urinary and genital tracts can cause the following symptoms in women: However, chlamydia infection is often asymptomatic and therefore goes unnoticed. For this reason, an examination for chlamydia is an integral part of preventive examinations during pregnancy (see Prophylaxis). – purulent, bad smelling discharge
- Itching in the vaginal area
- Sting when you urinate
- Intermediate bleeding
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
Therapy
Especially in the early stages, a Chlamydia infection can be treated very well with antibiotics that are compatible with pregnancy. The complications and late effects listed above can be avoided very effectively by taking them in good time. The antibiotics of choice during pregnancy are azithromycin as a single dose, alternatively erythromycin or amoxicillin for 7-14 days.
One month before the birth, antibiotics can be administered again as a precautionary measure. The tolerance of these antibiotics is considered good. In rare cases, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and slight discomfort may occur.
Of course, the partner must be treated as well, in order to avoid a mutual re-infection. An examination of the partner is not necessary for this. Newborns who have been diagnosed with chlamydia are given the antibiotic erythromycin for 14 days.
Prophylaxis
Since chlamydia is transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse, condoms offer some protection. If you are planning to have children, it is advisable to have a test for chlamydia carried out by a gynaecologist before the first unprotected sexual intercourse. Due to the numerous asymptomatic courses of chlamydia infections, screening for chlamydia is an integral part of the first preventive examination during pregnancy and is paid for by health insurance companies.
This usually takes place in the 5th-7th week of pregnancy. No routine screening for chlamydia is planned for the rest of the pregnancy, but is recommended for the 32nd week of pregnancy. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above or suspect infection after unprotected sexual intercourse, you should definitely consult your gynaecologist.
The transmission rate of Chlamydia from mother to child is highest during vaginal birth. However, even a Caesarean section does not provide reliable protection, especially if the egg membranes and amniotic cavity are affected or the amniotic sac has already burst.
