CS Frequently Asked Questions

The bacteria Treponema pallidum causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs when a pregnant woman transmits syphilis to her baby during pregnancy or at delivery.

CS can be life-threatening for babies, but mothers can prevent it by receiving adequate treatment for the disease.

Not all babies born with congenital syphilis show symptoms at birth.

Treatment for babies with CS exists. But they need to get treatment right away, or they could develop serious health problems months or even years later. It is also important that babies get the proper follow-up care based on medical advice.
 

In the United States, congenital syphilis (CS) has been on the rise for the last eight years. In 2022, approximately 1 in 750 Texas babies were born with CS. For more information on the number of babies affected by CS in Texas, please visit the Congenital Syphilis dashboard.

Yes. Getting tested for syphilis and other STDs is part of routine prenatal care. Texas law requires pregnant women get tested for syphilis three times during pregnancy:

• At the first prenatal visit,
• In the third trimester (no sooner than 28 weeks’ gestation or six and half months into your pregnancy), and
• Again at delivery.

If you did not get tested during these visits, talk to your doctor about getting tested at your next check-up.

Many people can have syphilis and not know it. Some people have symptoms like a sore or a rash, but the only way to know for sure if you have syphilis is to get a blood test.

Getting tested at your annual exam is another way to know your syphilis status. You may need to ask your doctor to test you since syphilis testing is not part of most physicals or Pap tests.

If you have syphilis, get treatment right away and complete it following medical advice. If you are pregnant, get your baby treated when you get treated!

Doctors can treat and cure syphilis with antibiotics. Make sure your sex partner(s) get treated too! Your local health department can help with getting your partner(s) tested and treated.

As soon as you think you might be pregnant, you should go to the doctor. Starting care early and getting frequent check-ups will help you and your baby stay healthy. If you are worried about the cost of care or do not have insurance, find out more about Texas Benefits or call 877-345-7734 (Texas Pregnancy Care Network). You can also review available Texas Benefits online.

You can find clinics in your area to get a test or find a doctor through Healthy Texas Women.

Syphilis is curable at all stages.

Mothers can pass syphilis to their baby at any time during the pregnancy.

Congenital syphilis is preventable.

You can be reinfected with syphilis at any time.

• Your Texas Benefits
• Congenital Syphilis is on the Rise
• STD testing locations
• Texas Benefits for Pregnant Women
• Healthy Texas Women
• Health Resources and Services Administration – Find A Health Center Near You