Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on "Healthwatch," we're talking about issues that affect women's health. One issue that women may not think about is sexually transmitted diseases. The number of women with STDs is on the rise, and many women may not even know they're infected because these diseases cause few symptoms.
This becomes particularly dangerous for pregnant women. STDs cause serious risks for pregnant women and their unborn babies. They can lead to premature labor, stillbirth, low birth weight, neurological damage and congenital abnormalities.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say pregnant women should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis. Timely treatment can decrease the risks to unborn babies.
###
Feb. 2005
Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on the "Stardust" format of ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.
