Sexually transmitted diseases in pregnancy: diagnosis, impact, and intervention.

Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health problem for the 1990s. The etiology of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginitis are presented, along with their treatment, pregnancy-related factors, intrapartum and neonatal factors, and follow-up. The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases has increased, and health care professionals must teach not only about disease impact but also about lifestyle and behavioral changes.