
Curtin University study reveals having common STIs during pregnancy increases risk of birth complications
That was just one finding from a large-scale study of almost 60,000 births between 2005 and 2020 in the Northern Territory.
Curtin University researchers found strong links between several sexually transmitted infections and a higher risk of birth complications.
The research revealed congenital syphilis, passed from mother to baby, tripled the risk of preterm birth and more than doubled the risk of restricted growth in the womb.
Other common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis were linked to babies being small for their gestational age.
Researchers said the links between maternal gonorrhoea and increased stillbirth risk could be reflective of 'more severe placental dysfunction or foetal infection in some cases'.
Lead author Jennifer Dunne, from Curtin's School of Population Health and the enAble Institute, said the findings highlighted the need for ongoing STI testing throughout pregnancy.
'Current STI screenings happen early in pregnancy, but we need additional checks later in pregnancy, especially in high-risk areas,' Dr Dunne said.
'Many of these infections are common, preventable and treatable — we just need to be able to catch them in time to treat them as early as possible.'
STIs are often asymptomatic yet highly prevalent in women of reproductive age.
Untreated infections can lead to adverse outcomes.
Co-author Jacqui Hendriks said the study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, also underscored additional public health challenges faced by people living in regional and remote areas.
'Barriers to timely testing and treatment still exist in isolated communities. The Northern Territory has some of the highest STI rates in Australia, yet healthcare access in remote areas is often limited,' she said.
Dr Hendriks said accessible, culturally appropriate services needed to be strengthened, including early prenatal and follow-up care.
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Curtin University study reveals having common STIs during pregnancy increases risk of birth complications
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