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When you’re pregnant, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Some STIs can be cured and others cannot. And some STIs can cause problems with your pregnancy and harm your baby.

Your healthcare provider will discuss STIs with you prior to, and during pregnancy. If you are at risk of acquiring an STI during pregnancy you may have rescreening each trimester. If you do have an STI, there are treatments available for you and your baby.

During your pregnancy, you can protect yourself and your baby from STIs by using condoms, especially if you’re not in a steady relationship. You should also avoid high-risk activities, such as:

• having multiple partners
• injecting or using street drugs
• sharing needles
• engaging in anal sex without condoms

You can see how some STIs could affect your pregnancy, put your baby at risk, or increase the potential for preterm by reading more about STI's that can be cured and STI's that cannot be cured.

If you suspect that you have been exposed to an STI, talk with your healthcare provider or public health nurse, or call HealthLink BC at 8 1 1 right away.

You can read the HealthLInkBC series on STIs at www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/stdis