OHIO — The number of pregnant women with syphilis is increasing in Ohio, impacting mothers and children.  

  What You Need To Know

  • The rate of syphilis cases among pregnant women in Ohio nearly doubled over the span of four years 

  • If a mother passes syphilis to her baby while pregnant, the child could have serious birth defects or become stillborn

  • Getting prenatal care early is what medical professionals believe will help address this issue 

The rate of syphilis cases among pregnant women in Ohio nearly doubled between 2016 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Syphilis is a treatable bacterial infection that is spread through intimate contact.

Without treatment, the mother's health can be affected, and the child may develop birth defects or be stillborn. That is why medical professionals say it is important to get prenatal care as early as possible. 

“We know that catching syphilis early in pregnancy and treating it can significantly decrease the risk of stillbirth,” said Dr. Meredith Pensak, University of Cincinnati professor of obstetrics and gynecology. “It can decrease the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and neonatal demise and death.”

Medical professionals believe patients being underinsured or not having insurance has contributed to the problem, and they want people to know that there are resources and clinics available to those who need extra help.