Herpes and pregnancy

But what to do if you are pregnant? How herpes influences pregnant woman? Let’s try to study this problem.

Unfortunately, it’s possible that an infected woman can pass herpes to her baby. The chance of giving herpes to the baby is highest if the initial infection occurs near the time of delivery.

The herpes virus can be transmitted to the baby in utero or during passage through an infected birth canal. First-time infection during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of miscarriage, decreased fetal growth, and preterm labor. About 30-50% of infants who are born vaginally to a mother with first-time infection become infected with the herpes virus. Of babies born to women experiencing recurrent herpes at the time of birth, 1-4% become infected with the virus.

If a woman is having an active outbreak of genital herpes at the time of delivery, the baby will usually be delivered by cesarean section to prevent transmission of herpes.

Of infants infected with herpes at birth, 30-60% die within the first month. Survivors may have long-term complications such as mental retardation and seizures.



To prevent transmission of herpes to their babies, pregnant women should discuss any past history of herpes with their health care providers and take adequate measures to prevent infection during pregnancy. The risk of herpes can be reduced during pregnancy by:

• Avoiding sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, and oral) during the last three months of pregnancy if your partner is known to have or suspected of having genital herpes.

• Avoiding receptive oral sex during the last three months of pregnancy if your partner is known to have or suspected of having herpes sores on the mouth, tongue, gum, or lips.

http://www.herpes.com/
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