Genital herpes during pregnancy can be dangerous because the pregnant woman can transmit the virus to the baby at the time of delivery, which can lead to death or serious neurological problems in the baby. Although rare, transmission can also occur during pregnancy, which can usually result in stillbirth.
Despite this, transmission does not always occur and many women with inactive genital herpes when they cross the genital canal have healthy babies. However, for women who have active genital hepes at the time of delivery, a C-section is recommended to prevent infection of the baby.
- The risk of baby contamination is higher when the pregnantness first becomes infected with the genital herpes virus during pregnancy.
- Especially in the 3rd trimester.
- Because the pregnanter does not have time to produce antibodies.
- With less risk in cases of genital infection.
- Herpes.
- Newspaper.
Risks of transmission of the virus to the baby include miscarriages, malformations such as skin, eye and mouth problems, nervous system infections, such as encephalitis or hydrocephalia, and hepatitis.
When symptoms of genital herpes, such as red blisters, itching, genital burns, or fever, appear, it’s important to:
In addition, if your doctor recommends medication, it’s important to follow all directions. Left untreated, the virus can spread and cause injury to other areas of the body, such as the stomach or eyes, that can be life-threatening.
Genital herpes is incurable and treatment should be indicated by a gynecologist or obstetrician, who may recommend the use of antiviral medications, such as aciclovir. However, the benefits of the drug should be taken into account before administering this medicine for risks, as it is a conaste for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester of gestation. In most cases, the recommended dose is 200 mg, orally, 5 times a day, until the lesions heal.
In addition, a C-section is recommended if the pregnant woman has a first herpes virus infection or has genital lesions at the time of delivery. The newborn should be observed for at least 14 days after delivery and, if diagnosed with herpes, should also be treated with aciclovir. See more details on treating genital herpes.