If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and wondering whether chlamydia is routinely tested for during NHS antenatal care in the UK, the straightforward answer is: not as a standard, universal part of the antenatal screening programme. Chlamydia is not currently included in the routine antenatal infection screening offered to all pregnant women in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
That said, chlamydia testing during pregnancy is absolutely possible and may be recommended depending on your symptoms, personal circumstances, risk factors or clinical assessment. Understanding the difference between what is routinely screened for and what may be arranged separately can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
This article explains current UK guidance, which infections are included in routine antenatal screening, how chlamydia testing can be accessed during pregnancy, and what to do if you have concerns.
What Is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. It is caused by *Chlamydia trachomatis* and is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, and through genital contact without full penetration.
One of the most clinically significant features of chlamydia is that it frequently causes no noticeable symptoms. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) estimates that approximately 50% of men and up to 70–80% of women with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. This means that a person can carry the infection without being aware of it, making routine access to testing all the more important.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions — and because many people have no symptoms whatsoever — symptoms alone cannot confirm or exclude a chlamydia infection. Testing is the only reliable way to know.
Do They Test for Chlamydia When Pregnant in the UK?
Chlamydia is not part of the routine antenatal infection screening programme offered to all pregnant women in the UK. The NHS antenatal screening programme has a defined list of conditions it screens for universally, and chlamydia is not currently among them.
However, this does not mean that chlamydia testing is unavailable or inappropriate during pregnancy. A midwife, GP or sexual health clinician may recommend testing if:
Testing is also available through NHS sexual health clinics (sometimes called GUM clinics), which offer free STI testing regardless of pregnancy status. Local arrangements may vary across the UK, so it is always worth contacting your nearest sexual health service or speaking with your GP or midwife.
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What STIs Do They Test for During Pregnancy in the UK?
The NHS antenatal screening programme does include several infection-related tests. According to current NHS and UK National Screening Committee guidance, routine antenatal blood screening in England typically includes:
In addition:
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and other common STIs are not part of this universal antenatal screening programme. Screening pathways can differ slightly between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and local NHS trusts may have specific protocols, so your midwife or GP is the best source of information about what is offered in your area.
Can You Get Tested for Chlamydia During Pregnancy?
Yes. Even though chlamydia is not routinely included in universal antenatal screening, you can access chlamydia testing during pregnancy through several routes:
NHS Sexual Health Clinics
NHS sexual health services (GUM clinics) offer free and confidential testing for a range of STIs, including chlamydia, to anyone — including those who are pregnant. You can self-refer to most sexual health clinics without a GP referral.
Your GP or Midwife
If you have symptoms or concerns, your GP or midwife can arrange a chlamydia test for you. Do not hesitate to raise the subject during an antenatal appointment — sexual health is a legitimate and important part of pregnancy care.
NHS Test and Treat Service for Under-25s
In England, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) has historically offered free postal or clinic-based chlamydia testing to sexually active people under 25. If you fall into this age group and are pregnant, you may be eligible. Service provision and availability can vary locally.
Private Sexual Health Testing
Private testing services can offer convenient and confidential access to chlamydia testing if you prefer not to wait for an NHS appointment or want to test outside of the NHS pathway. If you are considering private testing, it is important to use a service that uses validated laboratory methods and can provide appropriate clinical support alongside your results.
Why Might Chlamydia Testing Be Recommended During Pregnancy?
Chlamydia testing during pregnancy may be clinically appropriate for several reasons, even in the absence of symptoms:
If you are unsure whether testing is appropriate for you, the most reliable step is to speak with your midwife, GP or a sexual health clinician.
Chlamydia and Pregnancy: Potential Risks
Understanding the potential implications of untreated chlamydia during pregnancy is important, but it is equally important to approach this subject with balance. Not every case of chlamydia in pregnancy will lead to complications, and outcomes vary significantly between individuals.
Current evidence and guidance from bodies including BASHH and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) suggests that untreated chlamydia during pregnancy has been associated with:
It is important to emphasise that these are potential associations, not certainties, and that prompt, appropriate treatment when chlamydia is detected significantly reduces these risks. Many people with chlamydia in pregnancy have uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy babies.
If you have concerns about chlamydia or any other infection during pregnancy, please speak with your midwife or GP promptly.
Chlamydia Symptoms During Pregnancy
As noted earlier, chlamydia is often asymptomatic. This is particularly relevant during pregnancy because some early pregnancy symptoms — such as mild pelvic discomfort or changes in vaginal discharge — can overlap with potential signs of infection, making self-assessment unreliable.
Symptoms that might prompt a discussion with your healthcare provider include:
None of these symptoms alone confirm chlamydia, and experiencing them does not mean you have an STI. They do, however, warrant a professional assessment. Similarly, the absence of symptoms does not rule out chlamydia. Testing is the only way to confirm or exclude infection.
How Is Chlamydia Tested?
Chlamydia testing is straightforward and non-invasive in most cases. The most common methods used in UK clinical practice include:
Swab Test
A swab is taken from the vagina — either by a clinician or, increasingly, by self-swab — to collect a sample for laboratory analysis. In clinical settings, an endocervical swab may be taken.
Urine Test
A first-catch urine sample (the first portion of urine passed) can also be used to test for chlamydia, though current UK guidance generally considers vulvovaginal swabs to be the most sensitive sample type for those with a vagina.
Both sample types are analysed using a technique called Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), which detects the genetic material of *Chlamydia trachomatis*. This method is highly sensitive and specific.
Results are typically available within a few days, depending on the service and laboratory.
What Happens If the Result Is Positive?
A positive chlamydia result during pregnancy should always be followed up promptly with an appropriate healthcare professional — your GP, midwife or a sexual health clinician. Do not attempt to self-treat, and do not take antibiotics without medical guidance, particularly during pregnancy.
Management will depend on professional clinical assessment. In general terms, BASHH guidance indicates that chlamydia can be treated effectively with antibiotics during pregnancy, though the specific antibiotic chosen may differ from the standard first-line treatment used outside of pregnancy, to account for safety considerations. Your clinician will guide you on the most appropriate course of action.
Other important steps following a positive result include:
A positive result can feel distressing, but it is important to remember that chlamydia is treatable and that prompt action significantly reduces the risk of complications.
When Should You Seek Advice?
You should seek advice from a healthcare professional during pregnancy if:
There is no need to wait for symptoms before requesting a test. Accessing sexual health services during pregnancy is entirely appropriate and can form part of your overall antenatal health management. Your midwife and GP are both safe, non-judgmental points of contact for raising any concerns.
The Difference Between NHS Antenatal Screening and Private Sexual Health Testing
NHS antenatal screening is a structured public health programme designed to offer specific, evidence-based tests to all pregnant women at defined points during pregnancy. It covers conditions for which universal screening has been assessed as clinically and cost-effective under UK national guidance.
Private sexual health testing operates separately from this programme. It can offer broader testing panels, greater flexibility in appointment timing and, in some cases, faster access to results. Private testing does not replace NHS antenatal care, and any positive results or concerns arising from private tests should always be followed up with your NHS midwife, GP or a qualified sexual health clinician.
If you are considering a health screening as part of your broader wellbeing management, or would like to explore testing options, Private Blood Tests London can provide further information about available services. You can also review blood test prices or book an appointment at a time convenient to you.
It is important to use any private testing service as a complement to, not a replacement for, your NHS pregnancy care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they routinely test for chlamydia when pregnant in the UK?
No. Chlamydia is not part of the standard routine antenatal infection screening programme in the UK. However, testing can be arranged through NHS sexual health services, your GP or a midwife if there is a clinical indication or personal request.
What infections does the NHS routinely screen for during pregnancy?
Routine NHS antenatal blood screening in England includes HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and rubella susceptibility. These are offered to all pregnant women, typically at the booking appointment.
Can I ask for a chlamydia test at my antenatal appointment?
Yes. You can raise concerns about chlamydia with your midwife or GP at any point during your pregnancy. They can arrange testing or refer you to an NHS sexual health clinic.
Can chlamydia affect my baby?
Untreated chlamydia during pregnancy has been associated in some studies with risks including preterm birth, neonatal conjunctivitis and, less commonly, neonatal pneumonia. These are potential associations, not certainties. Prompt treatment significantly reduces risk.
Can I have chlamydia without any symptoms during pregnancy?
Yes. Chlamydia is often asymptomatic. Many people carry the infection without knowing it. This is one reason why testing based on risk factors, rather than waiting for symptoms, can be important.
Where can I get a free NHS chlamydia test during pregnancy?
NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics offer free, confidential testing. In England, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme has offered free testing to sexually active people under 25. Your GP surgery can also arrange testing.
Is chlamydia testing safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The test itself — typically a self-swab or urine sample — involves no risk to the pregnancy. It is a simple, non-invasive sample collection process.
What antibiotic is used to treat chlamydia in pregnancy?
Treatment decisions during pregnancy must be made by a qualified healthcare professional. Some antibiotics routinely used for chlamydia outside pregnancy are not recommended during pregnancy. Your GP or sexual health clinician will advise on the safest, most appropriate option for your situation.
Do I need to tell my midwife if I test positive for chlamydia?
Yes. If you receive a positive chlamydia result, informing your midwife is important so that your maternity care can be appropriately adjusted if needed. Your midwifery team are there to support you, not to judge you.
Does gonorrhoea get tested for routinely in pregnancy?
No. Like chlamydia, gonorrhoea is not part of universal routine antenatal screening in the UK. Testing may be arranged where symptoms, exposure or clinical assessment indicate it is appropriate.
Should my partner be tested if I am diagnosed with chlamydia during pregnancy?
Yes. Partner notification is an important part of chlamydia management. Your sexual health clinician or GP can advise on this, and some NHS sexual health services offer discreet partner notification assistance.
Can I access private chlamydia testing if I prefer not to wait for an NHS appointment?
Private testing services can provide an alternative route to testing outside the NHS pathway, offering flexibility and confidentiality. Any results should be followed up with appropriate professional advice, and private testing should always be used alongside, not instead of, your NHS antenatal care.
References and Further Reading
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about chlamydia or any other infection during pregnancy, please consult your midwife, GP or a qualified sexual health professional. Private Blood Tests London is an independent private service and is not affiliated with, part of, or endorsed by the NHS.