Can trichomoniasis be transmitted from mother to child during birth?

Yes, trichomoniasis can be transmitted from a mother to her child during the birth process, although this perinatal transmission is uncommon [4]. Despite the rarity of the parasite being transmitted to the newborn, receiving appropriate medical treatment during pregnancy can protect the newborn from the risk of developing a respiratory or genital infection [4].

The Impact of Trichomoniasis on Pregnancy

In addition to the rare possibility of infection transmission to the infant, trichomoniasis carries clear and documented risks to the health of the pregnancy. Pregnant women with this infection are more susceptible to the premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the fetus, which leads to preterm birth [4]. Studies also indicate that infants born to infected mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight of less than 2.5 kilograms (about 5.5 pounds) or to be small for their gestational age [2].

This infection is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases and is caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. Although about 70% of infected individuals do not show any clear symptoms, leaving the infection untreated can lead to it persisting for months or years, causing persistent inflammation of the genital tract [2].

When Should a Pregnant Woman Consult a Doctor?

A pregnant woman should consult a doctor immediately if she notices any abnormal symptoms in the genital area. Warning signs that may be associated with trichomoniasis include:

• Itching, burning, or redness and swelling of the genitals [2].
• Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be clear, white, yellow, or foamy green [3].
• An unpleasant vaginal odor resembling the smell of fish [2].
• Pain or discomfort during urination [2].

Trichomoniasis cannot be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms alone. It requires a medical examination and laboratory tests, such as examining vaginal discharge under a microscope, to confirm the presence of the parasite [3].

Treating Trichomoniasis During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

To avoid potential complications and protect the fetus, it is recommended that pregnant women suffering from symptoms undergo testing and treatment regardless of the stage of pregnancy [4]. A specialist can treat the infection safely using oral antibiotics, such as Metronidazole, which is considered safe for use during pregnancy [4]. This treatment helps alleviate symptoms and reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to a partner.

In cases of breastfeeding, it should be noted that some medications are excreted in breast milk. Although the doses that reach the infant are usually lower than those used to treat infants directly, some doctors may advise delaying breastfeeding for 12 to 24 hours after the mother receives a dose of Metronidazole [4]. Tinidazole, however, should be strictly avoided during pregnancy; if used after birth, it requires breastfeeding to be suspended for 72 hours [4].

Important Preventive Steps

Trichomoniasis is a completely curable infection, but reinfection is very common. This often happens if sexual activity is resumed before treatment is completed, or if the sexual partner is not treated at the same time [2]. Therefore, it is advised to abstain from sexual intercourse until both partners have completed their treatment and all symptoms have resolved. It is also strongly recommended to undergo a follow-up medical examination about three months after completing treatment to ensure that reinfection has not occurred [2].

To learn more about how this infection is diagnosed and the available treatment options, you can review the comprehensive guide: Trichomoniasis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Arabic).

Medical references

• About Trichomoniasis
• Trichomoniasis
• Trichomoniasis - STI Treatment Guidelines