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Yes. Much like how non-pregnant women are susceptible to STDs when performing unprotected sex, pregnant women could similarly contract these conditions with no exception due to how the mechanism essentially remains the same in both instances.

Upon the infant's passage during labor through the vaginal area, the baby may come into contact with the infected surfaces – resulting in the transmission of the causative microorganisms from the genitalia to the baby’s body. Certain infections may also pass through the placental barrier to cause infections even while the fetus is still inside the mother’s womb.

In some cases, yes, but most often than not, no. STDs are usually asymptomatic and would commonly present with little to no symptoms until they develop certain complications as the condition progresses. Although asymptomatic, STDs remain active and still proliferate inside the body – slowly increasing the viral load and its extent until it reaches critical parts of the body where it now develops specific manifestations. It is imperative that as soon as a certain tell-tale sign or diagnosis is provided regarding a certain STD, proper treatment and management measures are performed to avoid its further progression.

Pap screening is performed to examine the cellular structure of the cervical tissues, identifying whether there are specific changes that may be either malignant or benign growths within the area. Sexually active women with HPV infections are prone to cervical cancer due to the tendency of HPV to cause mutations and develop malignant changes in the area. Testing routinely for such will help physicians to identify any suspicious growths before it even develops into a malignant condition that could be more debilitating for the patient in the long run.