children s health issues
Syphilis in Newborns
Prevention of Syphilis in Newborns
Pregnant women should be routinely tested for syphilis during the first trimester and retested in the third trimester and at delivery if they live in a community with high rates of syphilis or have any risk factors for syphilis (for example, HIV infection or unsafe sex practices). In the United States, most states require first trimester screening, and many require the later testing too. In 99% of cases, treatment with penicillin during pregnancy cures both the mother and the fetus. However, treatment of the mother less than 4 weeks before delivery may not eradicate the infection in the fetus. 