What are the potential consequences of untreated syphilis during pregnancy?

Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can lead to congenital syphilis, which is a serious condition where the infection is transmitted from the mother to the fetus through the placenta. This can result in a range of severe health issues for the newborn, including physical deformities, neurological damage, or even stillbirth. The consequences of congenital syphilis can manifest after birth or even during the pregnancy, leading to complications such as low birth weight, prematurity, and developmental delays.

In contrast, while preterm labor is a risk factor in many pregnancies, it is not directly caused by syphilis. Gestational diabetes is also unrelated to syphilis and pertains to glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Similarly, placenta previa is a condition involving the placement of the placenta in relation to the cervix, which is not influenced by syphilis. Therefore, the connection between untreated syphilis and congenital syphilis underscores the critical importance of screening and treatment for syphilis during pregnancy to prevent significant harm to the developing fetus.