Syphilis testing in third trimester recommended for pregnant women

If a pregnant woman has syphilis, her sexually transmitted disease can maim or even kill her newborn. Now, local doctors are being urged to test for the infection late in pregnancy.

Shannon Goodman is in her third trimester, expecting her second child, a baby girl, in April. Like most pregnant women, she was tested for the sexually transmitted disease syphilis in her first trimester. Now, local health officials are encouraging doctors to repeat the simple blood test late in pregnancy. That’s because women can catch it while they’re expecting.

Syphilis cases in newborns rising

Cases of syphilis in newborns have been rising in Bexar County, Texas, said local health officials who recommend third-trimester testing.

Sixteen cases of syphilis in newborns were reported in the county during 2008 and the first six months of 2009, the most recent information available. Two of the babies were stillborn, the San Antonio Express-News reported Monday.