What Are the Effects of Syphilis on a Fetus?

Patients with syphilis should be treated promptly and only prepare for pregnancy after cure, otherwise syphilis during pregnancy without treatment will affect the health of the fetus and baby. Some children may be born with congenital abnormalities in the nervous system and internal organs. These problems may occur at birth or during the growth of the baby, which may endanger the child's sexual health. Apart from these, syphilis has many other impacts on the fetus. What are the impacts of syphilis on the fetus? First, syphilis has a significant impact on the fetus. When a pregnant woman is infected with syphilis, many fetuses may experience abnormalities in the development of internal organs and the nervous system, leading to fetal death or miscarriage during pregnancy. Some children may be born with congenital abnormalities in the nervous system and internal organs, such as neurologic syphilis and cardiovascular syphilis, which may occur at birth or during growth, potentially affecting the child's lifespan. Some children may not show any obvious developmental abnormalities after birth or during their later life, and may not develop neurologic syphilis or cardiovascular syphilis. However, if such children undergo syphilis antibody testing and the results suggest that they have congenital syphilis, they must receive antibiotic treatment promptly. Second, what is syphilis? Syphilis is a chronic and systemic sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum (syphilis spirochete). It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and clinically manifests as primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, tertiary syphilis, latent syphilis, and congenital syphilis (fetal syphilis). Third, prevention of syphilis involves avoiding unsafe sexual behavior and using a condom during sexual activity. When donating blood, it is essential to go to a formal blood collection site, and when receiving a blood transfusion, it is necessary to request proof of blood testing from the transfusion unit. Attention should be paid to daily hygiene, such as washing underwear and towels separately to avoid sharing personal hygiene items with others. If there is accidental contact with a syphilis patient, it is advisable to undergo testing as soon as possible for early detection and treatment. Pregnant women with syphilis should receive prompt and effective treatment to prevent transmission of the disease to the fetus.