Nursing care of Pregnant women and Couples Infected with Syphilis During Pregnancy: The nursing role

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that often does not show symptoms initially, leading to latent infection. This means that individuals with the infection may not be aware of it, missing the opportunity for early screening and treatment. Consequently, the infection can spread to others or be transmitted from mother to fetus via the placenta, during delivery, or post-delivery through contact with lesions. Pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis often experience anxiety regarding their screening results and those of their partners, especially when there are discrepancies, such as the wife being infected while the husband is not. This can lead to family conflicts and misunderstandings. Some women may hesitate to inform their partners, preventing their partners from getting screened and treated, which can result in reinfection during pregnancy. Failure to follow the treatment plan can lead to complications during pregnancy, such as diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth, low birth weight, congenital disabilities, or stillbirth. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to inform pregnant women about self-care guidelines and raise awareness of the importance of syphilis and its treatment. It also aims to emphasize the critical role of nurses in screening, educating patients through counseling, and advising on proper practices to prevent the spread and acquisition of the infection. Maintaining family relationships and creating family support are crucial. Pregnant women should be aware of the importance of completing their treatment and continuous monitoring to reduce the impact on the pregnancy, fetus, and long-term maternal health.