The Jamaica Star :: Features :: Will my baby get syphilis?

Dear Counsellor:

My baby's father is diagnosed with syphilis. I'm three months pregnant. Will my baby get syphilis?

Pregnant mother.

Dear Pregnant Mother:

A father with syphilis can pass syphilis to the mother of his child, who can in turn pass it on to her unborn child, if she is not treated. The best way to avoid passing on syphilis to your baby is to find out if you are infected by doing the blood test for syphilis as soon as possible so that if you are infected you can be treated.

If you are treated before the fifth month of pregnancy, your child almost certainly will be born without syphilis, unless, of course, you become reinfected later in the pregnancy. Please ensure, therefore, that your baby's father gets treated and it is important that both of you get treated at the same time to avoid reinfection.

Too young for sex

Dear Counsellor:

I'm 16 years old and I'm a little confused. My mother is encouraging me to become sexually involved with this man who is much older that I am. We are poor people but that does not give my mother the right to be pushing me on to this man. I'm worried that if I start having sex with this man I may just get pregnant. What should I do? I don't want to have a baby for this man because he lives with his wife and he also has a baby mother.

Confused Teenager.

Dear Confused Teenager:

Pregnancy may not be the only thing you get if you give in to this man's desire and your mother's wishes. You could also get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV the virus that causes AIDS.

It is good that you have recognised that getting sexually involved at this time would not be a wise choice and so you have chosen to delay having sex until you are a little more mature and is able to handle a sexual relationship with the right person. You really need to talk with someone you can trust, perhaps your guidance counsellor. Be sure to include, in your talk, the financial difficulties you are experiencing and how it is affecting your school activities.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-444 or write to AIDS/Affairs c/o the Star, 7 North Street, Kingston.