Antibiotic Eye Ointment Helps Prevent Newborns from Infections, Says Intermountain Health Experts

During the birthing process, a baby may be exposed to infections the mother might have and not even know it. Infections such as herpes simplex virus, staphylococcus aureas, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea may be present. Men or women may have STIs without symptoms and pass it on to others and not know it.

“If any sexually transmitted infections are present at birth, they can be transmitted to your baby’s eyes and spread quickly,” said Taylor Hanton, NP, a neonatal nurse practitioner at Intermountain Park City Hospital.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, affect one in five people in the United States. Since not everyone experiences symptoms when contracting an STI, so regular screenings are key to receiving timely diagnosis and treatment.

According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services

• Chlamydia continues to be the leading STI in Utah and throughout the U.S.
• Though much less common than chlamydia, gonorrhea continues to rapidly increase in Utah
• From 2012-2021, gonorrhea rates in females in Utah increased 697% compared to 482% among males during these same years.

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology testing recommendations during pregnancy, women are typically tested for STIs at their first prenatal visit and at other times during their pregnancy. According to the CDC, untreated STIs can lead to additional health complications that can also affect pregnancy.

“Having a healthcare provider treat your baby’s eyes with erythromycin ointment after birth is a scientifically-proven, simple, harmless, and cost-effective way to prevent infant blindness caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia or other vision problems caused by other infections,” said Hanton.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the professional organization for licensed pediatricians, erythromycin ointment is the recommended ophthalmic treatment for use in newborns.

If you have questions about STIs during pregnancy talk with your OB-GYN or certified midwife. For questions about tests, screenings or treatments for newborns, talk to your OB-GYN, pediatrician or family medicine provider. To find an OB-GYN, women’s health provider or pediatrician, visit intermountainhealth.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: Newborn baby boy at Intermountain American Fork Hospital in Utah. Photo Credit: Intermountain Health.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.