Positive Syphilis - what now?

[Weelaura86]

Hi
Just new on here so apologies if I've posted in the wrong place.
Been trying to google answers but not getting anywhere and thought someone out there may have experience of what I'm going through. (sorry if it's a bit lengthy!)

Found out 8 weeks ago we were expecting, it was a shock but we were over the moon- especially when we went for our first scan and found out we were already 20 weeks!
Had all the routine checks and tests done. And couldn't believe how lucky I'd been to be so far on and having no problems (not even the slightest feeling of sickness!)
However a few weeks ago we got the results from my blood tests back and discovered I have latent syphilis.

I feel so ashamed/embarressed/dirty just thinking about it.
My partner of 4 years has been tested and had the all clear so its been in my system and lying dormant for about 5/6 years. Doctor has checked me over and I don't seem to have any harmful affects or symptoms that it's done any damage.
I've now had to have 3 doses of penicillin jabs and my doctor has made a plan to do more checks and scans on the baby, I've to have a fetal medicine scan in a few weeks.
I'm basically looking for some honest answers and advice as to what affect this can have on my baby, I've spoken to 3 doctors who each give me different versions of what's going on but noone can actually tell me what they're looking out for at the extra checks and if there is a worse case scenario that I should prepare myself for?

Thanks for anyone who can give me any advice at all

No advice, but fingers crossed that it can all be dealt with.

I have no experience of this but just wanted to say you mustn't be embarrassed. Just because you caught it though sex sdoesnt make it shameful!

Don't beat yourself up about it :) hope the scan gives you peace of mind.

I don't know a great deal about it, but I do know that it's extremely good news for your baby that they've diagnosed it now, which is why they include syphilis in the blood screen.

The worst case scenario is your baby being infected and it not being spotted so that obviously won't happen now.

It's also good news that you're not in the primary stage of infection. You're much less likely to pass it on to the baby if you're in the latent phase.

Good luck. I hope your doctor can reassure you or give you more information. You shouldn't hesitate going back to see them to ask these questions as they're by far best placed to give you answers that are relevant to your precise situation.

Grotty for you, but don't feel dirty, anyone can get an STI. I know someone who caught HIV from her first boyfriend, and several friends who were in long term relationships where their partner was unfaithful and then passed something on to them. Could be the doctor treating you who will get something next. Anyone is at risk if they have a sexual relationship, ever.

Thanks everyone it's so nice just knowing someone's read what I've wrote, too embarressed to talk to anyone about it but it's so frustrating that the doctors can't seem to give me a straight answer, all they've said is that the important thing is its been treated now.
Trying to google my questions is pretty much telling me to expect pre term labour and up to 40% risk of still birth which is terrifying but I'm trying to reassure myself that the doctors haven't said that just that they're goin to keep a closer eye on me the next few months.

If you were my RL friend and you told me that I wouldn't judge you at all! Please don't be embarrassed, it's just an infection, and in no way your fault.

Dr Google is a shit for stating the worst case scenario. Ignore it as much as possible x

From the US National Institute of Health site:

"Infants born to infected mothers who received proper penicillin treatment during pregnancy are at minimal risk for congenital syphilis".

Another person just wishing you well. Most people really won't judge, and if they do - do you want to be friends anyway? It can happen to anyone.

Good luck.

Please don't feel ashamed. People who judge you should realise that if they've ever had sex, they could have an STI too.