Associate Professor, Doctor, Senior Physician Luu Thi Hong, deputy director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, said most pregnant women with syphilis experience fetal hydrops and are advised to terminate the pregnancy.

Thuy's family wanted to continue the pregnancy, so doctors treated her with penicillin. This is currently the only recommended safe and effective treatment for pregnant women with syphilis. The treatment consisted of three injections, one week apart.

After three weeks, the fetus's abdominal fluid buildup decreased, and its weight gradually increased. By week 36, the fetus had developed almost normally, the placenta was not thickened, and the liver was no longer enlarged. A cesarean section was performed at week 37. A baby boy was born weighing 2.7 kg, feeding well, with stable reflexes. Tests showed low antibody levels, not requiring immediate treatment but necessitating regular monitoring.

Thuy is now in stable condition, and her antibody levels have significantly decreased. Both mother and baby need follow-up appointments for checkups, assessments, and prompt treatment if any abnormalities arise.

Doctors preparing for a C-section. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete *Treponema pallidum*, primarily transmitted through unprotected sex or skin abrasions and mucous membranes coming into contact with fluids from syphilitic sores.

Syphilis in pregnant women can lead to dangerous complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, fetal hydrops, or babies born with congenital syphilis, meningitis, and bone and joint damage. When *Treponema pallidum* enters the fetus, there is a risk of arteritis, which can be fatal.

Doctors recommend that women get tested for syphilis before pregnancy. Expectant mothers should have regular prenatal checkups, including blood tests and serological reactions for early detection and timely treatment of the disease.

Hang Tran

*The patient's name has been changed.