What are potential effects of chlamydia on newborns?

Chlamydia infection in pregnant women can lead to significant complications in newborns. One of the most notable potential effects is the development of both pneumonia and conjunctivitis.

Pneumonia may occur due to the newborn inhaling infected amniotic fluid during delivery or as a result of exposure to the bacteria during birth. Chlamydial pneumonia typically presents with symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, often developing within the first few months of life.

Conjunctivitis, also known as neonatal conjunctivitis or "pink eye," can develop if the baby is exposed to Chlamydia during delivery, leading to inflammation of the conjunctiva. Symptoms usually manifest within the first two weeks after birth and can include redness, tearing, and discharge from the eyes.

These conditions highlight the importance of screening for chlamydia in pregnant women and treating infections promptly to reduce the risk of transmission to newborns. The other options, while potentially relevant to other contexts or infections, do not directly relate to the well-documented effects of chlamydia on infants.