Can a pregnant woman pass syphilis on to child during childbirth?

Yes, a pregnant woman can pass syphilis to her child during childbirth, a process known as congenital syphilis. If the mother is infected with syphilis, the bacteria can be transmitted to the baby during delivery if the mother has active genital sores. This can lead to serious health issues for the newborn, including developmental delays and other complications. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to receive proper prenatal care and screening for syphilis.