STIs During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Risk of Birth Complications: Study
A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific has found that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy are linked to a significantly higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. Conducted by Australian researchers, the analysis showed that pregnant individuals with common STIs—including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—had increased odds of preterm birth, stillbirth, and delivering babies small for gestational age (Chow et al., 2025).
The study analyzed over 355,000 singleton births in Queensland between 2007 and 2019, identifying nearly 5,000 cases where STIs were diagnosed during pregnancy. The researchers found that the risk of stillbirth was over 2.5 times higher in pregnancies affected by STIs. Similarly, the odds of preterm delivery and fetal growth restriction were significantly elevated, even after adjusting for maternal age, smoking, socioeconomic status, and other health factors. These findings underscore the importance of routine STI screening in prenatal care, especially in younger populations and areas with higher infection rates. Despite national screening recommendations in many countries, STIs during pregnancy often remain undiagnosed or undertreated due to stigma, limited access to care, or lack of awareness. The researchers advocate for stronger public health initiatives to normalize testing, improve access to treatment, and integrate STI screening into early antenatal visits. Identifying and treating infections early could reduce preventable complications and improve maternal and newborn outcomes.
Keywords: pregnancy complications, STIs in pregnancy, preterm birth, stillbirth risk, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, small for gestational age, antenatal screening, maternal health, Chow, E. P. F.
