Whether or not you are planning a pregnancy, it's smart to reduce your risk of getting certain infections. If they occur during
pregnancy - or if you get pregnant while you have one of them - these infections can cause serious birth defects or illnesses in the unborn baby.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's)

Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), are infections you can get by having sex even once with someone who is infected. STDs are very common. Usually you can't tell if your partner is infected. Some STDs can leave you unable to have children. Examples of STDs include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Genital Herpes
• Syphilis
• Genital Warts

The risk of getting some STDs goes down if you use latex condoms correctly, or use contraceptive jellies or foams that contain a spermicide. Your risk of contracting a STD is increased if you have more than one sex partner.

HIV and AIDS
HIV causes AIDS and is life-threatening to both mother and baby. Sexual contact is not the only way to contract HIV. You can get HIV if you or your partner use and share needles to take drugs. Early medical treatment for HIV can help you stay well. It also may help prevent HIV from being passed to your baby. Because of this, all women should talk with their health care provider about being tested for HIV, even if they have no symptoms.

Read more about Exposure to STD's in our Health information section.

Vaccines

Some infections can be prevented by vaccination. If you're not
sure of your risk for these diseases, ask your doctor or other
health care professional about getting shots to prevent them:

• Rubella, measles or mumps
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis B
• Polio

You should not become pregnant for at least three months after taking these vaccines.

Read more about immunizations in Health Information section.

Keep in mind....

• Even if you were vaccinated as a child, you can still get some diseases.
• You can get more information about AIDS by calling the National AIDS Hot Line at (800)342-AIDS. Or go to www.ashastd.org/nah/index.html online. Spanish service is available at (800)344-7432.
• You can get more information about STDs by calling the STD National Hot Line at (800)227-8922. For Spanish, call (800)344-7432.