Herpes and Pregnancy (courtesy : www.parents.com )
Genetial Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). In most of the cases, the virus is HSV-2, but in some cases, it may also be caused by HSV-1, that causes cold sores.
Common symptoms include painful sores in the genital area, itching, painful urination, vaginal discharge and tender lumps in the groin. During the primary stage, most experience flu-like symptoms such as body aches, fever and headache, but with time, one gets active outbreaks of blisters or sores around their vagina and buttocks.
There is no cure for herpes. Babies who are born to mothers having genital herpes infection at or near the delivery time, have most chances of becoming infected. This may cause brain damage, blindness or even death in newborns. The most important part is to avoid getting herpes during pregnancy.
If you have genital herpes and are thinking about pregnancy, then consult with your doctor. He may suggest an antiviral medicine, so there would be less chances to have a herpes outbreak at or near the delivery time. If you have an outbreak of genital herpes at the time of delivery, then the doctor will switch over to cesarean section, that may avoid the baby of getting an infection
If during your pregnancy, you have a genital herpes outbreak, then your doctor would treat you with an antiviral medicine. The risk of baby getting infected is much higher, if you have the first genital herpes outbreak near the time of delivery.
If your partner is infected, then the doctor would suggest either to use condoms during sexual intercourse or avoid sex, depending upon the severity.
