What should you know about untreated trichomoniasis in pregnancy?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Some people have no symptoms; others notice vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, discomfort when urinating, or pain during sex. Pregnancy can make changes in discharge harder to interpret, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

An untreated infection may remain present and can be passed between sexual partners. During pregnancy, clinicians consider it because infection has been associated with problems such as early labour or a baby being born smaller than expected. This does not mean a complication will happen; it means assessment should not be delayed.

Contact your maternity team, midwife, or gynaecology clinician for testing if you have symptoms or a partner has been diagnosed. Testing may use a vaginal swab or a urine sample. Tell the clinician how far along the pregnancy is and mention any medicines or allergies.

If testing confirms trichomoniasis, take the prescribed medicine exactly as directed. Your sexual partner or partners may also need assessment and treatment, and avoiding sex until treatment advice is complete helps prevent reinfection. Do not use leftover medicines or vaginal products without checking first.

Seek urgent maternity advice for vaginal bleeding, a gush or ongoing leakage of fluid, regular painful contractions, fever, severe lower abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement when you normally feel movement. These signs need assessment for reasons that may be separate from trichomoniasis.

Arrange prompt routine care for new discharge with a strong smell, marked itching, burning urination, or pain during sex. A clinician can distinguish trichomoniasis from other infections and pregnancy-related changes.

Ask which test is planned, whether treatment is suitable at your stage of pregnancy, whether a partner needs treatment, and whether repeat testing or a follow-up visit is needed. You can also ask how to recognise signs of reinfection.