A pregnant woman is diagnosed as having syphilis. Which of the following is TRUE regarding her fetus?n infant born with skin sores, a runny nose, slimy patches in the mouth, and anemia may have been exposed to in utero.
A) She will not be given antibiotics, as the syphilis bacterium is immune to antibiotics
B) She must be in her last trimester, as syphilis cannot be detected earlier in a pregnancy
C) An infected, untreated woman has about a 40% chance of having a child who is stillborn or who dies shortly after birth
D) The child will be unaffected, as syphilis cannot cross the placenta

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An infected, untreated woman with syphilis has a significant risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including a high chance of having a stillborn or a child who dies shortly after birth. Syphilis can indeed cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to congenital syphilis, which is why prompt treatment with antibiotics (usually penicillin) is crucial during pregnancy.

A Pregnant Woman Is Diagnosed as Having Syphilis