References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Yes — STI testing during pregnancy is routine and strongly recommended. UK antenatal care offers screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B at the first appointment. Additional testing for chlamydia and other infections may be offered based on risk factors. Testing protects both you and your baby.
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Routine Antenatal Screening
| Test | Why |
|---|---|
| HIV | Treatment prevents mother-to-baby transmission |
| Syphilis | Prevents congenital syphilis and stillbirth |
| Hepatitis B | Baby receives vaccine at birth to prevent infection |
| Chlamydia | Offered in some areas; prevents complications |
Why Testing Matters in Pregnancy
- Untreated STIs can cause serious harm to babies
- Treatment during pregnancy is safe and effective
- Mother-to-child transmission is largely preventable
- Screening is free and routine
What If I Test Positive?
- Pregnancy-safe treatments available for all major STIs
- Specialist antenatal teams coordinate care
- Partners should be tested and treated
- Most women with treated STIs have healthy babies
Additional Testing to Consider
- Gonorrhoea if at risk
- Hepatitis C if risk factors present
- Herpes if history of genital herpes
- HIV retesting late in pregnancy if ongoing risk
Is Testing Compulsory?
No — screening is offered routinely but you can decline. However, accepting testing is strongly recommended for your baby’s protection.
Read more: STIs and pregnancy | Treatment in pregnancy | Getting pregnant with HIV
Frequently Asked Questions
Will testing harm my baby?
No — it’s a blood test and possibly swabs. Completely safe.
What if my partner has an STI?
Both should be tested and treated. Your antenatal team can advise.
Is antenatal STI screening free?
Yes — part of routine NHS care.
Related reading
- How Accurate Are Rapid HIV Tests?
- Anonymous STI Testing: What It Means
- Are HIV Tests Accurate If You're on PrEP, PEP or ART?
- Are STI Blood Tests Accurate?
- Before You Get Intimate: Why You Should Ask About STI Testing
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
