Herpes Treatment During Pregnancy

Herpes simplex virus 2, also known as genital herpes, is a virus passed person-to-person through sexual contact.Though it is rare (only about 1,500 births per year), a mother can pass genital herpes to her child during birth. It is essential that a pregnant woman protect herself during pregnancy from the virus, and if she has contracted the herpes simplex 2 virus, that she be treated during pregnancy so the illness is not passed to her child.

Symtoms

• Symptoms of the herpes simplex 2 virus include:
  Small red blisters or open sores on the genitals or inside the vagina or inner thighs, which may be painful or not
  Itchy, burning, painful, tingling sensation in genital region
  Vaginal discharge
  Fever
  Muscle aches
  Headache
  Painful urination
  Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area

  If a woman, or her partner, has any of these symptoms during her pregnancy, it is essential that a doctor be consulted.

Transmission to Baby

• The herpes virus is transmitted to the newborn primarily during a vaginal birth when the mother is having an outbreak, or is in the process of developing one. The herpes virus is passed from the sores around the mother's vagina and thighs to the baby's skin, particularly sensitive areas like the eyes, nose and mouth.

  In 33 percent of cases where the baby contracts the virus, the baby may develop sores that can be treated with an antiviral. About 90 percent of the time, the baby will be fine developmentally, though may still have herpes outbreaks. In 33 percent of cases, the baby's central nervous system and development will be affected. In another 33 percent of cases, the baby will develop disseminated herpes, which will affect organs such as the liver and lungs--often this form results in death.

Prevention and Treatment

• If a woman has herpes and is pregnant, a doctor will often prescribe an antiviral at 36 weeks to prevent an outbreak during birth. If a woman is having an outbreak during birth, she will most likely have a C-section. If a woman develops herpes during pregnancy, particularly during the last trimester, her doctor will usually perform a C-section. During pregnancy, it is important that a woman get plenty of rest, avoid stress and take care of her health.
  If a woman's partner has herpes and she has not contracted it, it is essential that the couple abstain from skin-to-skin contact during an outbreak and use a condom during all sexual contact throughout the pregnancy. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral for the partner to help prevent the woman from contracting the virus.
  It is very important to avoid contracting herpes during the third trimester, as this is so close to the delivery date. During this time, it is wise to avoid all sexual contact with an infected partner.