Is your unborn child safe from herpes?

The safety of an unborn child from herpes depends on the type of herpes infection the mother has and the stage of pregnancy. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes.

- Herpes during pregnancy: If a pregnant woman acquires genital herpes for the first time during pregnancy (primary infection), the risk of transmission to the unborn child is higher than if she has a recurrent infection. If a woman has recurrent genital herpes, the risk of transmission is lower, especially if the infection is well-controlled and there are no active lesions during delivery.

- Risk to the unborn child: If a pregnant woman has an active herpes infection, particularly a first-time infection, there is a risk that the virus can cross the placenta and infect the unborn child. This can lead to serious complications, including neonatal herpes, which can cause neurological damage, vision problems, and other health issues.

- Prevention: To prevent transmission of herpes to an unborn child, it is important for pregnant women to take precautions, such as avoiding contact with people with active herpes lesions, practicing good hygiene, and undergoing regular prenatal care to monitor for any signs of infection.

- Treatment: If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with herpes, her healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby and manage the infection.

- Delivery considerations: In cases where a pregnant woman has active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery, a cesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn.

It is important for pregnant women to discuss any concerns about herpes with their healthcare provider to receive personalized advice and care to protect the health of both the mother and the unborn child.