Pregnancy And Genital Herpes – What Should You Know? 

If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, you need to be careful about passing the virus on to the baby. As per health experts, a mother can pass the viral infection to their baby during delivery, which might prove fatal to the baby. However, if a woman had genital herpes before getting pregnant, or if the person is first infected in early pregnancy, the chances of their baby getting infected can be very low.

If there are signs of sores or an outbreak is coming up at the delivery time, the baby can be delivered by a C-section. The chances of infecting the baby are very high when a woman is newly infected at the later stages of pregnancy. This is because the immune system of the mother will not have developed protective antibodies against the herpes virus. Women with an old herpes infection will have antibodies against the virus and these antibodies can protect the baby against infection. If you are pregnant and think that you have been recently infected by herpes, visit a free womens health clinic in your area and tell the doctor right away. Clinics for women are prepared and specialized for complications or health issues which may arise during the course of a pregnancy. 

What Can Be Done To Sidestep Herpes During Pregnancy? 

Women who do not suffer from genital herpes or any other sexually transmitted infection should be very much careful about sex during the third trimester. Unless you know that your sexual partner is free from herpes, avoid sex altogether. If you find that your partner gets cold sores, never make them perform oral sex when you are pregnant and in your third trimester. Healthcare experts from an affordable health clinic recommend that all women should be tested for herpes infection when they are pregnant.   

Treatment Of Genital Herpes During Pregnancy 

Those women who are taking antiviral medications for herpes should consult their medical professional regarding whether to take medications during pregnancy. You and your healthcare provider should discuss the benefits and risks to find a treatment plan that is right for you. If you are pregnant and have suffered from genital herpes in the past, antiviral medications might be recommended by your doctor during the month before the due date.

Herpes infection in newborn babies can also be serious. Hence, it is crucial not to allow anyone with a cold sore touch or kiss the new born baby. Also, ensure to properly wash hands before touching the newborn.