ACOG recommends More Testing During Pregnancy prompted by Rising Syphilis Cases

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, syphilis increases risk of preterm birth and is a major cause of stillbirth: Up to 40% of babies of mothers with untreated syphilis are stillborn or die in infancy.

The American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists (ACOG) updated their guidance-which previously recommended third trimester testing only for those in communities with high syphilis rates or have been at risk during pregnancy-to three screenings for every pregnant person.

“Per ACOG’s most recent recommendation, because of the rapidly increasing rates of congenital syphilis, prenatal providers should screen all pregnant individuals for syphilis at the first prenatal care visit, followed by universal rescreening during the third trimester and at birth,” Patel said.

VUMC is in alignment with these recommendations and has rolled out the new requirement in inpatient and outpatient settings.

“Timely diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing syphilis rates, and yet we are currently facing several challenges, including treatment shortages, lack of access to prenatal care, and the stigma that surrounds sexually transmitted infections,” said Christopher Zahn, MD, FACOG, interim ACOG CEO and chief of clinical practice and health equity and quality. “Congenital syphilis can have devastating effects. We know that a majority of cases can be prevented, so additional routine screening during pregnancy is one important step that clinicians can take that could potentially be lifesaving.”