A blood test will detect this viral infection of the liver. If you have hepatitis B, there is a 90% chance your baby will be infected. Your baby can be given treatment at birth that will prevent infection in almost all cases.

Rubella is a disease caused by a virus. Infection during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects. A blood test will show whether you have had rubella or been vaccinated. If you are not immune (protected), a vaccine can be safely given to you after the baby is born to prevent infection in future pregnancies.



A blood test can tell if you have been exposed to this disease. A pregnant woman with syphilis can give it to her unborn child, sometimes causing birth defects – even death. Syphilis is cured with antibiotics.



Gonorrhea is an infection that can cause serious health problems if not treated early. A pregnant woman can pass this infection to her baby during birth, and cause a serious eye infection or blindness. A specimen from the cervix is tested to determine whether you have been infected. Antibiotics can cure gonorrhea.



A specimen from the cervix is tested for common infection. A pregnant woman can give chlamydia to her baby who can then get infections of their eyes or lungs. Antibiotics are given to cure chlamydia.



GBS can cause life-threatening infections in newborns. This bacteria is often found in the vagina or bladder of healthy women. It can be passed to the baby during birth. A test for GBS is done three to four weeks before your baby is due. A swab is taken from the vagina and rectum. If you test positive, antibiotic treatment during labour will help protect your baby.



A small number of women have bacteria in their urine without having symptoms. If not treated, a bladder or kidney infection may develop during pregnancy. A urine sample is tested and antibiotic treatment can be given if infection is detected.



HIV is the virus that causes AIDS by slowly destroying the body ’s ability to fight off disease. You can have HIV for years and not know it or feel sick. The number of women who are infected with HIV is increasing. To get early help for yourself, you need to know for sure. It is recommended that all pregnant women in Manitoba have a blood test for HIV.

How is HIV spread?

There are three main ways HIV is passed from one person to another:

• by having unsafe sex (without a condom)
• by sharing needles for injecting drugs or
• from a mother to baby during pregnancy, at delivery or during breastfeeding.

What if you have HIV and are pregnant?

There is a one in four chance that your baby will become infected. Treatment is available that lowers the risk of your baby getting HIV from you.

What if the test is negative?

It means you have not been infected with HIV or it has not shown up yet in your blood. It usually takes four to eight weeks after you are infected for the test to be positive. 

You may have an infection and not have any symptoms. Your doctor or midwife will recommend all of these tests to detect infection in pregnancy. Testing is a part of GOOD care for you and your baby. However, you have a choice to be tested or not. If you need more information, ask your doctor or mid-wife or call the numbers listed in this brochure.

Whatever you decide, it will not affect the care you receive.

The information on this page is also available as a brochure. To order a copy, please contact:

Materials Distribution Agency
Phone: (204) 945-0570
FAX: (204) 942-6212
E-mail: informationresources@gov.mb.ca