If you're pregnant or trying, STI testing is part of routine antenatal care in Ireland. The HSE tests every pregnant person for a small number of infections at the booking visit, regardless of background or perceived risk. This page is the plain-language version of what's tested, why, and what happens if a result comes back positive — including what it means for the pregnancy.
The thing nobody tells you up front
A positive result during pregnancy is almost always manageable. Every infection routinely tested for in Irish antenatal care has well-established treatment protocols that protect the baby. The point of testing is exactly so that anything found gets treated in time. Knowing is the good outcome.
What the HSE routinely tests for in pregnancy
At your antenatal booking visit (usually 8–12 weeks), a routine blood test is taken that includes the following:
HIV
Universally offered to every pregnant person in Ireland — the test is opt-out rather than opt-in. The reason: with modern treatment, the risk of HIV passing from mother to baby drops from around 25% (untreated) to below 1% (treated). The treatment is straightforward, antiretroviral therapy through pregnancy and at birth.
Syphilis
Tested universally. Untreated syphilis in pregnancy can affect the baby; treated with penicillin during pregnancy, the outcome is almost always normal. Rates of syphilis in Ireland have risen in recent years, which is part of why universal screening is maintained.
Hepatitis B
Universally tested. If positive, the baby receives a hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin shortly after birth, which is highly effective at preventing transmission.
Rubella immunity (not an STI, but checked at the same time)
Checked to see if you're already immune. If you're not, you'll be offered vaccination after the baby is born (the MMR vaccine isn't given during pregnancy).
What's tested only if you ask or if there's a reason
The routine antenatal panel does not currently include universal screening for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, or HPV. These are tested if:
- You have symptoms.
- You ask for them — they will not refuse.
- You or a partner has had a recent diagnosis or risk exposure.
- You're under 25 — some maternity services offer chlamydia screening to this age group.
If you want a comprehensive STI screen in addition to the routine antenatal tests, the simplest path is to ask your midwife or GP at the booking visit. The other option is to do a free sh24.ie home kit before booking — although check with your GP first, because some home kits are not validated specifically for pregnant people.
If a result comes back positive
You'll be contacted by the maternity service or your GP. The conversation will cover:
- What was found and what it means specifically in the context of your pregnancy.
- Treatment. Almost always a course of antibiotics or antivirals safe in pregnancy. For HIV, antiretroviral therapy starting as soon as possible.
- What it means for the baby. For most infections, treated during pregnancy, the answer is "almost certainly nothing — the baby will be fine".
- Delivery planning. For some infections (HIV with detectable viral load, active herpes outbreak at the time of delivery), a planned caesarean may be recommended to reduce transmission risk. Otherwise vaginal delivery is fine.
- Partner notification. The HSE offers a free, anonymous partner notification service. Your partner needs to be told and tested too.
- Future pregnancies. Most infections, once treated, won't affect later pregnancies. HIV does not affect ability to have future children safely.
Specific situations
Trying to get pregnant
Worth doing a full STI screen before you start trying, particularly if either partner hasn't been tested recently. Knowing and treating anything beforehand is easier than discovering it at 8 weeks. A free sh24.ie kit for both partners is the simplest way.
Discovered a positive result before pregnancy
Talk to your GP or sexual health clinician about timing. For most curable STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis) — get treated, finish the course, then there's no impact on a future pregnancy. For HIV, well-controlled HIV (undetectable viral load on treatment) is fully compatible with having a baby with extremely low transmission risk.
Multiple partners during pregnancy
Pregnant people can still get STIs. If there's been an exposure, retest at a free HSE clinic or via your maternity service. They will be matter-of-fact about it.
Pregnant and worried but no specific reason
Ask your midwife to add a chlamydia and gonorrhoea swab to your routine bloods. It's a one-minute conversation and they will do it.
Partner testing
If you're pregnant, your partner getting tested too is the kind move — for them, for you, for the baby. They can use any of the standard options: a free HSE sexual health clinic, a free sh24 home kit, or their GP. If anything is found, both being treated at the same time prevents passing it back and forth.
If you're worried about confidentiality
Antenatal STI results are part of your medical record at the maternity hospital. They are not visible to your employer, your family, or anyone else. The hospital won't tell your partner — that's your decision, with support from the partner-notification service if you want it.
Where to go from here
- How testing actually works
- Find a free clinic in your county
- HIV in Ireland — the full guide
- Syphilis — the full guide
- Resources — including HSE maternity resources
Important: Nothing on STI.ie is medical advice. Always speak to your midwife, GP, or HSE clinician for anything related to pregnancy. HSE Sexual Health Line: 1800 700 700.