STD Testing During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Question
Is it pretty much standard practice for women to be tested for STDs during pregnancy? Chlamydia in particular. Thank you.  

Answer
Your obstetrician usually decides what tests are done on his patients. In a high endemic area or a clinic in an endemic area (where STDs are prevalent) we usually test for Gonnorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and HIV. In other areas, the standard of testing is only for syphilis and HIV. A PAP smear will be done and will often show if there is Human Papilloma virus present. Certainly, if you have any symptoms of Bacterial vaginosis or Trichomonas, you will be treated when they are diagnosed.