Congenital Syphilis

Fact sheet about congenital syphilis (CS)

What is CS?

CS is a disease that occurs when a pregnant person passes syphilis infection to their baby during the pregnancy or at birth. 

Untreated syphilis in a pregnant person can affect the development of the baby as well as cause health problems for the baby after they are born. The impact of syphilis on a baby depends on how long the individual has had syphilis and whether, and when, they received treatment. 

CS is preventable with early screening and early treatment with antibiotics during pregnancy. 

What are the signs and symptoms of CS?

CS can cause:

• Miscarriage (losing the fetus during pregnancy)
• Stillbirth (a baby dies before being born)
• Prematurity (a baby born early)
• Baby born with low birth weight
• Death of a baby shortly after birth 

Babies born with CS can experience a wide range of serious issues that affect multiple organ systems, such as brain and nerve problems. CS can lead to long-term intellectual disabilities and physical abnormalities.

How will my health care provider know if a baby has CS?

A health care provider will consider several factors to determine if a baby has CS.  The provider may test the baby's blood, perform a physical exam of the baby, or do other necessary tests. They also need to know if the birthing parent was tested for syphilis and if they were treated for syphilis while they were pregnant.

If an infant is born with CS, is there a way to treat the infection?

Yes, there is a way to treat syphilis infection in a newborn baby. Depending on the results of a baby’s medical tests and exams, the baby may need antibiotics in a hospital for 10 days, or in some cases they may only need one shot of antibiotic. However, if the baby is born with defects caused by abnormal development during the pregnancy, antibiotics will not cure them. Depending on the defects, those babies may need other special types of care. Follow-up care may include repeat provider visits, follow-up testing, and specialty visits.

How can I prevent CS?

The most important way to prevent CS is to get tested for syphilis during pregnancy and get treatment if an infection is found. 

Individuals should ask their provider about their risk for contracting syphilis. Depending on a person’s risk factors, such as having sex with multiple partners or if a partner has other partners, a healthcare provider may recommend getting tested multiple times during pregnancy. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends testing everyone during their first prenatal visit and again in the third trimester.

If an individual or their sexual partners develop any signs or symptoms of an STI or syphilis during pregnancy, they should let their health care provider immediately.

If an individual tests positive for syphilis during pregnancy, they should get treated right away. The healthcare provider will monitor the infection by testing the individual's blood after treatment and at delivery. Sexual partners will also need testing and treatment.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, nurse, or sexual and reproductive health provider
• Your health center or family planning clinic
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of STD Prevention & HIV Surveillance, Partner Services Program at [phone].