Common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy have been linked to a higher risk of significant birth complications including preterm birth, stillbirth and babies born smaller than expected, according to a new, large-scale Curtin University study.
Published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, the study analysed almost 60,000 births from 2005 to 2020 in Australia’s Northern Territory and found strong links between maternal infections and adverse outcomes.
Congenital syphilis tripled the risk of preterm birth and more than doubled the risk of growth restriction among babies, while maternal chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis were also significantly linked to babies being small for their gestational age.
Gonorrhoea almost doubled the risk of stillbirth.
Lead author Dr Jennifer Dunne, from Curtin’s School of Population Health and enAble Institute, said the findings reinforced the need for more changes in STI testing during pregnancy.
“This research shows STIs during pregnancy may lead to potentially devastating outcomes,” Dr Dunne said.
“Current STI screenings happen early in pregnancy, but we need additional checks later in pregnancy, especially in high-risk areas.
“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.”
Co-author Dr Jacqui Hendriks, also from Curtin’s School of Population Health, said the study highlighted the additional public health challenges faced by individuals living in remote and regional 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,” Dr Hendriks said.
“Our research suggests a need to strengthen culturally appropriate, accessible services to improve outcomes for parents and babies.
“This includes follow-up care in remote settings, plus targeted education to raise awareness of STIs in pregnancy and the importance of early antenatal care.”
‘The association between sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy outcomes in the Northern Territory, Australia: a population-based cohort study’ was published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific.
