Herpes during pregnancy

What is herpes?

Herpes is a highly contagious viral disease. Once contaminated, we are contaminated for life. In France, 10 million people would be affected without knowing it. Some people can carry the virus and never develop symptoms of herpes.

There are two types of viruses:

• Type 1: Herpes above the waist, which is the most common. The most common is cold sores, that we often compare to a sore. But it can be found anywhere on the face and can even affect the eyes or hands.
• 2 Type: genital herpes, which affects around 2 million people in France, is considered a sexually transmitted disease. It is also the one who is most dangerous when expecting a baby…

Herpes labialis: beware of transmission to the baby after birth

After birth, it is especially important to be wary of cold sores. If you or someone you know is having a relapse, do not kiss your baby under any circumstances. Wearing a mask is even recommended. Observe the rules of hygiene. Always wash your hands before touching your child. Also be aware that you can pass it on to another part of your body yourself. If you touch the lesion and then another part of your body without washing your hands, the risk of contamination is real. So be careful.

Herpes in pregnant women: the dangers for the baby

In the first days of life, the infant’s immune system is still weak and immature. If he is infected with the virus, this may be of concern. While for a healthy adult a herpes outbreak is treatable without problem, in a newborn baby a herpes attack can cause neurological problems. If your baby is infected at birth, he will be treated with antivirals immediately.

Zelitrex, a treatment compatible with pregnancy

Fortunately, there are antiviral drugs available today that are very effective in treating herpes outbreaks, and compatible with pregnancy. This is the case with Zelitrex and Aciclovir. They are all prescribed by prescription. Your doctor will prescribe it for you if he deems it necessary.

Herpes: what are the symptoms?

Itching, burning, pain, tingling in the mouth or genitals, especially the vulva and vagina for women, or even the cervix. These are the main warning signs of labial or genital herpes that affect both men and women. A redness appears, then small vesicles (blisters) and finally a crust a few days later. At the labial level, we often talk about a cold sore. Healing takes place after about ten days. Fever, sun, fatigue, stress, menstruation, intense emotion, sexual intercourse… These are all factors likely to trigger an outbreak.

Genital herpes: transmission during pregnancy

Sexual intercourse that puts the mouth in contact with sex can be the cause of transmission to the fetus. Men can get a cold sore with a cold sore, or herpes on or near the sexual organs, and pass it on to the mother-to-be during sex. The condom is therefore not always sufficient. The risks of transmission to the fetus are rare but can turn out very serious, especially when the pregnant woman is infected for the first time with the virus (this is called a primary herpes infection). It is therefore important to recognize an outbreak of genital herpes and to report it to the doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy in order to take all the necessary measures and precautions during childbirth.

Genital herpes and pregnancy: what transmission during childbirth?

You have some genital herpes ? Inform the obstetrician-gynecologist or midwife who is monitoring your pregnancy, so that it is mentioned in your medical file.

Because it is present in vaginal secretions, the herpes virus infects the baby as it passes through the genital tract. Therefore, if you have a relapse on D-Day, la Caesarean will be obligatory so as not to infect your baby. The risk of transmission, even if it is not very high, is not zero either: it is 3 to 5%. Therefore, if herpes is recurrent, it is essential to report it to avoid any risk of contamination. You can be treated with antivirals from 36 weeks of amenorrhea and thus avoid cesarean section and contamination …