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The fall in immunity in autumn is conducive to developing herpes. Most of us consider it a trivial ailment, more of a cosmetic problem than a medical problem. And yet it is not so, because the infection can spread from the mouth to the intimate organs. It is dangerous not only for pregnant women. Here is a list of herpes related questions that we should know the answers to.
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1/ 7 Is It Really Herpes?
If you’ve had it at least once, you won’t miss the first symptoms. Herpes simplex (herpex simplex) is one of the most common infectious diseases of the mucous membranes and skin. It comes in two forms: labial, near the mouth or on other parts of the face and torso, and around the genitals (vulva, vagina, penis). It is caused by the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses. The first symptoms are redness, itching and swelling which turns into a fluid-filled bubble. After some time, the follicle becomes a crust and falls off. Although the process itself does not look dangerous, the consequences for the fetus may be irreversible.
2/ 7 What is herpes in pregnancy?
– When a pregnant woman gets cold sores in the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of miscarriage. It affects almost every tenth patient – says Dr. Ewa Kurowska, obstetrician gynecologist. – During the second trimester, neurological complications such as hydrocephalus and encephalitis may develop. In the third trimester, the expectant mother must take into account the risk of premature birth. The risk is even four times higher than in the case of healthy patients – adds Dr. Kurowska. It is worth remembering that the risk of infecting a child is greater in the case of primary herpes. When a woman was ill before, her body developed antibodies that partially protect her and the baby.
3/ 7 What can happen when you have an infection and give birth?
The infection becomes very dangerous when it is delivered, because more than 75% of the infected are infected during childbirth. newborns. In such a small child, the disease may manifest itself as blisters on the skin (this is the more optimistic version), but also with neurological complications and infection of the whole organism (e.g. liver or spleen). This can lead to organ failure, and if the virus enters the eye, cataracts could be a complication.
4/ 7 Can the disease be asymptomatic?
It must be remembered that the infection may be asymptomatic initially. You may not be aware of it, but herpes, even invisible to the eye, is a threat to the young mother. Or rather, for a child who can infect. Both forms of herpes are dangerous – labial in case of contact with a newborn, and intimate areas – during pregnancy.
5/ 7 Is partner’s herpes dangerous for a woman?
Yes, if the woman is pregnant. It can get infected from a man and then pass the infection to the child. So do not have sex until the future father has healed herpes.
6/ 7 What can you do to protect yourself and your baby?
First of all, take basic precautions and do not keep in contact with people suffering from herpes. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the well-being of all household members. General breakdown, muscle pain may be the first sign of an impending disease. You already know about what to do when your partner has herpes.
7/ 7 Can herpes be treated?
If the woman is not pregnant, she can afford to wait out herpes. When she is expecting a baby, she should seek the advice of a gynecologist. Perhaps he or she will decide to undergo pharmacological treatment, especially if it is already in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This will reduce the risk of your baby becoming infected. Herpes in the intimate areas can also be an indication to abandon natural childbirth in favor of caesarean section. If a pregnant woman’s partner has herpes, he should wash his hands after touching his face and cover the cold sores with a plaster to reduce the risk of passing the infection to the mother-to-be.