Trichomoniasis and Pregnancy: A Summary
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may have babies who are born early or with a low birth weight (under 5 pounds).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women with trichomoniasis who have symptoms should be treated, but women without symptoms do not necessarily need to be treated.
During the first 3 months of pregnancy, many experts feel that women shouldn't take
metronidazole (
Flagyl®) because it may hurt the baby. However, most doctors feel that metronidazole can be given safely after the end of the
first trimester.
Trichomoniasis and Pregnancy: Transmission to the Baby
Transmission of trichomoniasis from mother to child is rare. Babies born to infected mothers may contract the infection during delivery. Infants may develop fever; girls may develop vaginal discharge. Children should be treated if diagnosed with trichomoniasis.
(Click Trichomoniasis for more information about this sexually transmitted infection.)
