The Connection Between Herpes and Pregnancy

As everyone knows, life just isn’t fair.  When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, this notion seems to be magnified, and even more so when an STD is passed on to an innocent person, this is the case with newborn babies.  It is quite unfortunate, but it does happen, and with the many strains of the Herpes virus (HSV), there are number of ways that a baby can become infected.

Women with herpes can have normal and healthy babies, but certain precautions have to be taken to protect the babies from getting herpes. The probability of newborns getting herpes is small if you and your health care provider use proper precautions. In women who have established herpes going into the pregnancy, the risk of neonatal herpes is about 1 in 5,500 deliveries.

Ideally, a blood test would be done at 20-24 weeks to see if either the mother or her partner has herpes. Screening for herpes is not part of the routine blood work in most practices. You may want to request a blood test to safeguard your child. Keep in mind, approximately 1 in 5 women have herpes, however, many are not aware that they have the virus.

Babies who get HSV generally acquire it during the labor and delivery process. Contracting the condition while in the uterus is rare but can occur. Precautions would be taken at the end of pregnancy and at the time of delivery to safeguard the baby. Precautions should be taken so the mother isn’t infected with HSV-2. A primary or first outbreak for the mother during the third trimester of pregnancy puts mother and baby at a greater risk for premature delivery. It also puts the baby at a much greater risk for becoming infected.

Newborns do not have an immune system that is capable of dealing with herpes. Babies can become very sick or die from herpes. If you or your partner have herpes, it is critical that you share this information with your provider! He or she can then take precautions to protect you and your baby.

If you feel you or your partner may have Herpes, or have come in contact with the virus somehow, be sure you get a blood check and STD screening done to make certain.  The last thing you want is to realize that you brought your new child into the world with a disadvantage because you did not take the precautions.

Herpes and Babies- yes, this STD can be passed on during birth. Find out how to keep your newborn safe from this sexually transmitted disease.