Is it possible to pass genital herpes to your baby? And what treatments are ok while you’re pregnant? Here’s the info you need.. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HS1) or type 2 (HS2). Genital herpes is contagious from when you get your first symptoms (a tingling or itching sensation) until the sores have healed. Once you have had the virus,
herpes simplex stays in your body in a nearby nerve. That means you could have another outbreak of genital herpes at any time. Genital herpes can be passed on by: Don’t panic about other types of contact though: herpes isn’t transmitted by sharing towels, cutlery or cups. The virus dies quickly when it’s away from the skin (NHS Choices, 2017). Symptoms of genital herpes are:
What are the risks of genital herpes in pregnancy?If you’re pregnant and you think that you have genital herpes, give your midwife or GP a shout straight away (NHS Choices, 2017; RCOG, 2014). Genital herpes won’t put you at higher risk of a miscarriage but it can be passed onto babies during pregnancy. It can cause a serious illness called neonatal herpes. Neonatal herpes is rare in the UK but risks are highest if you get a new infection (primary infection) in your third trimester or within six weeks of having your baby (RCOG, 2014). If you’re pregnant and have genital herpes, you’ll be referred to a genitourinary medicine physician for treatment (RCOG, 2014). What are the symptoms of neonatal herpes?Neonatal herpes is a serious viral infection that can, sadly, be fatal (RCOG, 2014). There are three subgroups of neonatal herpes depending on the site of infection:
If neonatal herpes is just on the skin, eye and/or mouth, it has the best chance of being cured. If neonatal herpes has spread to multiple organs, that’s when it can be much more serious (RCOG, 2014). How can I prevent my baby from getting neonatal herpes?Parents or visitors can pass herpes onto a baby unwittingly in the first few weeks of their life. There are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk.
What treatment can I get if I have a genital herpes outbreak in pregnancy?If you have genital herpes, an antiviral drug called aciclovir is recommended. Aciclovir isn’t licensed for use during pregnancy but is considered safe and hasn’t been associated with an increased incidence of birth defects (RCOG, 2014). Antiviral treatment is offered:
(NHS Choices, 2017) Can I still have a vaginal birth if I have genital herpes?Many women can still have a vaginal birth. Although, depending on the circumstances, you might be offered a caesarean (NHS Choices, 2017). How can I avoid another outbreak of genital herpes?As the herpes virus stays in the nerves near where the infection first appeared, it will come back in the same area. Recurrent infections can be triggered by:
(NHS Choices, 2017) Obviously, a lot of these things are pretty difficult to avoid though. But the risk of genital herpes can be reduced by:
(NHS Choices, 2017). This page was last reviewed in February 2018 Further informationOur support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby. You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area. Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.
ReferencesNHS Choices. (2017) Genital herpes. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/ [Accessed 1st February 2018]. RCOG. (2014) Management of genital herpes in pregnancy. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/management-genital-herpes.pdf [Accessed 1st February 2018]. What happens if you have a herpes outbreak while giving birth?If the mother has an active outbreak of genital herpes at the time of delivery, the baby is more likely to become infected during birth. Some mothers may not know they have herpes sores inside the vagina. Some women have had herpes infections in the past, but are not aware of it, and may pass the virus to their baby.
Can you give birth safely with herpes?If you have genital herpes, it's possible to transmit the HSV to your baby, so you'll need to make a plan with your doctor to keep that from happening. But rest assured, most people with genital herpes give birth to healthy babies and don't pass on the virus.
Can herpes cause birth complications?In rare cases, if you get an initial herpes infection during your first trimester, the virus could pass through the placenta and cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects. Herpes can also be transmitted to your baby after birth, and the complications can be severe.
Can a baby get herpes in the womb?If you had genital herpes for the first time within the last 6 weeks of your pregnancy, your newborn baby is at risk of catching herpes. There's a risk you will have passed the infection on to your baby if you had a vaginal delivery. This risk is much lower if you have had genital herpes before.
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