Recurrent Herpes and Pregnancy
September 7th, 2008 | by admin |Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection that can lead to recurrent blisters and sores in the genital area. Typically the first episode is the worst, sometimes including fever, muscle soreness, and severe genital pain. Recurrences can be very rare, or quite frequent, and are usually described as annoying but not horrible. Infectiousness is intermittent but you may not have any sores at the time. About fifty percent of adults with herpes have such minimal symptoms that they are not aware that they carry this virus.
What are the issues for pregnant women who have herpes?
- All mothers-to-be who have had herpes should inform their doctor or midwife at a prenatal appointment. Recurrences during pregnancy pose no risk to the baby until labor starts, but babies born through an infected birth canal may catch herpes on the way out. Herpes infections in newborns can occasionally cause severe illness, leading to brain damage or death.
- If the mother has a herpes sore when labor begins, cesarean delivery will help prevent transmission to the baby.
- Many moms-to-be take an anti-viral medication in the last month of pregnancy to try to decrease the possibility of an outbreak during labor, and to lower the likelihood of needing a cesarean.
- A mother who had herpes prior to pregnancy already has antibodies against the herpes virus. These antibodies pass through the placenta, and provide some protection to the baby if born vaginally while the mom is shedding the virus. That is why recurrent herpes during pregnancy isn’t as dangerous as having a first-time infection while pregnant.
Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have concerns about herpes or other sexually transmissible infections during pregnancy.
