A person who is pregnant and has syphilis can pass on the infection to the baby. Syphilis can result in the fetus not developing as it should, stillbirth, premature birth, and death shortly after birth. For those born with syphilis, this infection causes death in 40% of cases.
Infants who contract syphilis from their biological parents may experience developmental delays and seizures, and this infection can cause death.
However, doctors can treat those who are pregnant and have syphilis with penicillin, which is effective in 98% of cases. Those who are allergic to penicillin should discuss desensitization with their medical team.