What serious complication can result from untreated syphilis during pregnancy?

Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can lead to congenital syphilis infection, which poses significant risks to the developing fetus. When a pregnant person is infected with syphilis, the bacteria can cross the placental barrier, leading to serious health complications for the baby. These complications can include low birth weight, developmental delays, and even stillbirth.

Congenital syphilis can manifest in a variety of ways depending on the timing of the infection and whether treatment was administered during pregnancy. Some infants may show no immediate signs at birth but develop symptoms later, including potential neurodevelopmental issues. Therefore, the impact of untreated syphilis on pregnancy underscores the importance of early screening and treatment during prenatal care to prevent these severe outcomes.

The other options, while they reference health concerns, do not directly relate to the specific and serious implications of syphilis infection during pregnancy and its ability to cause congenital infections in the newborn.