Can U Have Babies if U Have Herpes
Genital herpes is ane of the about common health conditions in the U.S. The Centers for Illness Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 6 people between the ages of fourteen and 49 have information technology. Approximately 22% of pregnant women in the U.S. have genital herpes. Two percentage contract it during pregnancy – that's 1 in 50 meaning women.
Two viral strains tin can cause genital herpes. HSV-two (herpes simplex virus) is the well-nigh mutual and typically spreads through sexual contact. HSV-1, which is best known for causing common cold sores, can likewise produce genital lesions (blisters or open sores). More than than half of adults in America go HSV-one at some point in their lives.
Herpes is generally manageable in adults. Even so, it can crusade serious health problems in newborns. During commitment, your baby may exist exposed to the virus, even if y'all are not having an outbreak.
Canker infection occurs in less than 1% of births, but it can cause severe illness in newborns, such as:
- Incomprehension
- Deafness
- Seizures
- Serious infections, such equally viral meningitis
- Recurrent sores on the skin, eyes, genitals, or oral cavity
- organ impairment, including to the liver, lungs, and centre
Tell your md if you or your partner have herpes or if you may have been exposed. By knowing, we can take extra precautions to reduce your baby's hazard of infection during delivery and in their first few weeks at home. If you're non certain merely think you lot may have had herpes in the past, we tin can do a blood test to determine whether you have had the infection.
If yous are concerned nigh privacy, nosotros will annotation in your nautical chart not to discuss the condition in front of anyone at your appointments – nosotros are happy to arrange this common request.
"Tell your doctor if you or your partner take herpes or if you may have been exposed. By knowing, we tin can have extra precautions to reduce your baby's take a chance of infection during delivery and in their first few weeks at habitation."
How can I manage herpes during pregnancy?
There is no bear witness to advise pregnancy causes flare-ups. The American Higher of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says 75% of pregnant women who have herpes, still, can await to have an outbreak during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, you should watch for symptoms of the virus becoming active, such equally tingling, itching, or burning around where the sore volition eventually appear.
If you take a history of herpes (or your blood exam is positive), your provider may prescribe an antiviral medication such as acyclovir (Valtrex) to reduce the risk of spreading the virus or having an outbreak around the fourth dimension of your delivery.
Nosotros typically recommend starting an antiviral at 36 weeks or sooner if yous are at take a chance for preterm birth. The antiviral medications are safe during pregnancy. In fact, we can give the same medications to your baby if needed.
Volition I need a C-section if I have herpes?
A cesarean (C-section) can't completely prevent canker transmission. But it does substantially decrease the risk to your baby if you have a lesion or report typical symptoms by bypassing contact with the vagina and labia.
In one case yous become into labor, we'll advisedly examine you for genital lesions. If nosotros see something suspicious, nosotros volition recommend a C-section.
If you accept no symptoms and no sores in the genital region, a vaginal delivery may be safe. Lesions tin can sometimes appear in other areas, such as the legs or back. If this is the case, we'll comprehend them to make certain the baby doesn't come into contact with them.
How can I protect my newborn from getting herpes?
If your partner has herpes and you don't, do not have sex and oral sex the last few weeks of pregnancy. Condoms tin reduce the risk of transmission but aren't 100% constructive. There'due south no reason to take chances a new infection close to commitment.
In the unlikely event your baby has been exposed, nosotros'll treat the baby with antiviral medications. HSV can't be passed through breast milk, and then unless you have sores or lesion on your breasts, breastfeeding is safe.
With visitors, do not allow anyone who has a cold sore or has had one recently to hold your babe. Same goes for people who accept a cold or virus. Insist that anyone who wants to concord or impact your newborn launder their easily start – this should be the norm anyway due to COVID-xix.
Genital herpes is a mutual condition, and we are well-equipped to help reduce your infant's risks. If you or your partner has a history of herpes, talk with your Ob/Gyn. We are eager to assist you accept a condom pregnancy and delivery.
To visit with an Ob/Gyn, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online .
Source: https://utswmed.org/medblog/genital-herpes-pregnancy-faqs/