If you have herpes will your un-born baby get them too?

Herpes is a common viral infection that can cause sores or blisters on the skin or genitals. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the type that usually causes oral herpes, or cold sores, while HSV-2 is the type that usually causes genital herpes.

If a mother has herpes simplex virus (HSV) during pregnancy, she can pass the infection on to her unborn baby. This is called congenital herpes. Congenital herpes is a serious condition that can cause brain damage, blindness, and other lifelong problems.

The risk of congenital herpes is highest if the mother has a primary HSV infection during pregnancy. A primary HSV infection is the first time a person is infected with the virus. The risk of congenital herpes is also higher if the mother has a recurrent HSV infection during pregnancy. A recurrent HSV infection is when the virus reactivates after a person has been infected with it before.

There is no cure for congenital herpes, but there are treatments that can help to reduce the severity of the infection. If you are pregnant and have herpes, it is important to see your doctor right away so that you can get treatment and reduce the risk of passing the infection on to your baby.

Here are some tips to help prevent congenital herpes:

* Get tested for HSV before you become pregnant.

* If you have herpes, avoid having sex during outbreaks.

* If you have herpes, take antiviral medication during pregnancy to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to your baby.

* If you have herpes and are pregnant, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent your baby from getting infected during delivery.