Herpes Outbreak During Early Pregancy - How Dangerous Is It for the Baby?

Updated on March 26, 2017
P.G. asks from Morristown, NJ
12 answers

I have an outbreak of genital herpes and I'm in my first trimester (about 4-5 weeks) of pregnancy. They say it's the most dangerous if you catch the virus during pregnancy and get the first outbreak.
I've had the virus for a few years, but I'm still worried about how it can affect the baby's development. Has anybody had similar problems? Pls share your experience.
Also, has anybody taken Valtrex during EARLY pregnancy? I know it's often prescribed before labor.

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L.B.

answers from New York on

I also believe herpes is only a problem at the time of delivery; I've never heard it was a problem to have an outbreak at other times. Unless you have an outbreak at delivery, you should be able to have a vaginal delivery as well.

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W.E.

answers from Sacramento on

the only danger to the baby is when you have a vaginal birth during an outbreak. then it can really mess up the baby. you might want to have a scheduled c-section to be safe. I have no idea about the valtrex. discuss it with your doctor. congrats and good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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L.N.

answers from New York on

i don't know about valtrex, but i do know you need to schedule c-section. that way you will ensure baby doesn't get put in danger during delivery.
good luck

1 mom found this helpful
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G.G.

answers from Gainesville on

A woman has genital herpes, it does not mean she cannot have children. Near about 20 to 25 percent of pregnant women have genital herpes. The causes of genital herpes are the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. There are a number of studies that suggest that treatment of this infections during pregnancy with the antiviral acyclovir is safe even during the first trimester.
http://www.biblehealth.com/genital-herpes/causes-of-genit...

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W.T.

answers from San Diego on

From what I understand, if it is your first outbreak then it could be dangerous.

It sounds like that isn't the case with you and I wouldn't worry. I had some small outbreaks during pregnancy.

I took Valtrex with number one and didn't take it with number two, but I had a midwife and there were some alternate treatments to Valtrex.

There are some things you can do to boost your immune system prior to labor, at the end of your third trimester, rather than take Valtrex. There are some studies that say the baby gets lots of good immunities from you if you have herpes and pass those antibodies along to baby.

Ask your ob/gyn, Valtrex seems to be one of those drugs that nobody, ob/gyn or more liberal midwives seem to be too worried about. I'm talking strictly in late pregnancy, though. I don't see a need for it during early pregnancy.

Keep your immune system boosted. Do you take Lysine? You can take it regularly and then up your dosage during a break out to shorten it.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I've also read that the only danger to the baby is during a vaginal delivery. Discuss delivery options with your doctor. I would be anxious that I could have the virus present and still not have noticeable symptoms.

As long as the sac is intact, virus and bacteria present only on your body's exterior cannot reach the baby.

A co-worker delivered by c-section because she had herpes. I think she and the doctor made this decision early in the pregnancy but I'm not sure.

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L.J.

answers from Hartford on

About 6 months ago I was searching for some kind of relief/cure? for genital herpes for my husband and myself. I have been suffering from herpes outbreaks for 18 years and gave my husband the gift that keeps on giving last year and he has been miserable with almost non stop outbreaks:( It sure has taken its toll on our sex life. I stumbled across surfing the net and immediately bought the herbs the product. We both started with morning and night applications, starting with 1 drop and working our way up to 15 drops, each day adding another drop. after 15 days of applying the drops we are now completely healed for the embarrassing disease and thanks to who made this possible ____@____.com

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M.F.

answers from New York on

Good day everyone, i'm M., If getting herpes cure was that easy then why do a lot of people still suffer from herpes?. i was diagnosed of herpes back in 2013 and i was also told it has no cure, i have been leaving with it since then, but i kept praying and doing everything possible to get cured, so i never stopped doing research about finding a cure, i came across testimonies about people getting cured through herbal medication, and i have always believe in herbs and its medical properties, after doing so many research about it i found Dr. Bulukona and i discovered he was a professional in herbal medication and he has also helped many people, i contacted him through his Website: bulukonasolutiontemple.webs.com, we talked on phone and i confirmed he was genuine, i did all what he told me to do, i received the medicine, used it as he has prescribed, and glory be to God almighty i am completely cured, i went back to my doctor to confirm it. Do not be deceived THERE IS A CURE FOR HERPES, doctors might tell you there is no cure but WITH HERBAL MEDICATION THERE IS A CURE and if you need it contact Dr. Bulukona Email: ____@____.com

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C.F.

answers from New York on

Hi! I am a RN who works the post partum/well baby nursery floor at the hospital. I beleive it's only a problem when you deliver. If you have active lesions at the time of delivery, you will need to have a c-section to reduce the risk to the baby. You will be put on Valtrex at 36 weeks prophylactically. Talk to your OB/GYN though for a sure answer! good luck!

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

Talk to your doctor, but I worked in health years ago and from what you are saying there is no problem. It's only the time of birth. Just be sure your doctor is aware. In the unlikely event you had an outbreak at delivery then a C-section might be the way to go. Otherwise no problem. Take your vitamins and keep your immunities up.

Also I found this website for you: http://www.herpes.com/pregnancy.shtml

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J.S.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi P.,

I do not know from experience, but I have heard that the dangers of herpes and pregnancy is during delivery. I had a co-worker with a niece that was born to a mom with herpes. The baby had a lot of problems with vision and some other serious issues and they linked it back to the herpes. From what I was told, it could have been prevented if the baby was born via c-section and not vaginally (she either did not know she had herpes when she had her baby, or she did not inform her ob/gyn). Once again, this was all second hand info, but just what I heard.

Just talk with your ob/gyn and I'm sure he/she will know the best course of action for you to take during your pregancy and delivery.

Wishing you the best :)

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R.B.

answers from New York on

I had my second baby yesterday and I have taken valtrex both times. They are both healthy and perfect. The issue is with transfer during delivery. I delivered both of my babies vaginally with no issues. If you have had the infection for a number of years you can pass the antibodies on to the baby which will protect them but it is still very dangerous if you have an active outbreak at the time of delivery. Valtrex is one of the safer drugs and has been used for a long time during pregnancy. I do not believe there is any effect to the babys development from an outbreak during pregnancy and I had several with both my babies(stress).
My babies are fine. Talk to your OB but I would try not to worry.
Good luck

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