Final answer:
Yes, it is true that a pregnant woman with an STI can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy or birth, which can result in serious health issues for the baby. Pregnant women are screened for STIs and can be treated to prevent mother-to-fetus transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that a pregnant woman with an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy or birth. Some STDs can cross the placental barrier, leading to serious complications for the fetus, such as infections like HIV and syphilis. The vertical transmission from mother to fetus can cause fetal development issues, spontaneous abortion, or severe disabilities. For instance, active infections such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea can present risks at birth, potentially leading to conditions like neonatal herpes or other severe health issues if not managed properly. Pregnant women are often screened for such infections using the TORCH panel of prenatal tests, and treatments like acyclovir for HSV or penicillin for syphilis are available to prevent mother-to-fetus transmission.
Besides the placental route, infants can also be exposed to STIs during childbirth, particularly if the mother has active chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. This exposure can result in eye infections or other health problems in infants. Preventative measures like antibiotic eye drops immediately after birth are common to prevent such outcomes.