Herpes in Pregnancy
Herpes in pregnancy is not very common, but the unborn child is likely to get infected if the infection occurs late in pregnancy. To know more about the treatment for genital herpes infection in pregnancy, read on...

Herpes in Pregnancy
Although the probability of getting infected with herpes is low, certain preventive measures have to be taken to ensure that the newborn doesn't contract the disease. Factors that can contribute in transmitting the virus to the baby are as follows:
- The baby getting exposed to herpes lesions at the time of delivery
- Presence of disease fighting antibodies is less; In case the mother has not yet produced any antibodies, then the risk of disease transmission is very high.
- In certain situations, if the baby has sufficient time to acquire antibodies from the mother before delivery, then probably the child won't be affected. This can happen only if herpes in pregnancy affects during the first two trimesters. Women acquiring the infection during the last trimester do not get adequate time to supply antibodies to the baby.
Treatment for Genital Herpes in Pregnancy
Treatment for herpes infection in pregnancy involves the use of antiviral medications. These medicines have been effective to control and even prevent outbreaks of genital herpes. Side effects of these medications is rare which ensures their safety for use. Birth defects that may occur due to intake of these medicines are minor and not a cause of concern. Following are the medications useful for the treatment of genital herpes:
- Valacyclvir
- Famciclovir
- Acyclovir
Genital Herpes Affecting the Baby
If the infection is passed on to the baby during pregnancy, then the child may develop few health problems. However, mostly a minor rash on the skin is observed. A rash on the mouth or eyes is an indication that the child has been infected with the virus. In few cases, the infection spreads and affects the entire body. All infants suspected to have contracted herpes infection should be given IV acyclovir. Also, the type of virus determines the body parts that may get affected. In case the baby is infected with HSV-2, then it may damage the central nervous system which may lead to meningitis, seizures and even death. Some infants suffer from mental retardation. But if these infants are treated with antiviral medications on time, then they are likely to escape permanent damage.
As genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, pregnant women not having this infection should abstain from sex ( oral as well as intercourse) with partners who are a suspected case of herpes. Women suffering from herpes in pregnancy should immediately contact an obstetrician (a doctor dealing with childbirth) to know the precautions that need to be taken to reduce the risk of the baby getting infected with the virus. The doctor may also guide the patient on how to manage herpes effectively.
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