Herpes during pregnancy – Better to be prepared

It is commonly believed that a woman suffering from genital herpes cannot have children. Around 25% of pregnant women have genital herpes, but, most of them give birth to healthy children. However that does not mean there is no thrat, herpes simplex virus does pose danger to the unborn baby in some situations. It is better to remain informed about the risks associated with development or occurrence of an outbreak during or before pregnancy.

Herpes simplex virus infections

A variety of infections are caused by herpes simplex virus, which include chickenpox, shingles, genital herpes and cold sores. The risk of transmitting this virus to the unborn baby depends on various reasons.

• Exposure of the unborn baby to herpes lesions during delivery
• If the mother has developed antibodies to combat the herpes simplex virus
• If the unborn baby has time to acquire these antibodies before delivery

Transmission rates

A woman who experiences the first outbreak of genital herpes and has not yet developed antibodies to combat this health condition has a 33 percent chance of transmitting the virus to the baby.On the other hand, a woman who is experiencing a recurrent outbreak of genital herpes, has around 3 percent chance of transmitting it to the baby.

Effect on the mother

Many women who are exposed to the herpes simplex virus have developed antibodies to combat the virus. But around 80% of women have a recurrence during their pregnancy. When they are pregnant, their immune system becomes less effective and the outbreak of herpes occurs. The infant is at risk under this situation. On an average, pregnant women will have around 3 recurrent outbreaks during a pregnancy.

Effect on the infant

In infants who are already affected by herpes simplex virus, only around 33% mothers have ever had herpes rash. Many neonatal infections occur because of shedding of virus from the cervix without any noticeable rashes. Generally, this happens after the primary infection. Most cases of herpes virus transmission occur during labour and delivery.

In every 10 neonatal herpes infections, 6 to 7 are acquired because the mother has the first outbreak without any symptoms. This can be mentally devastating as the first time is the most painful. The extent of this infection can range from a minor rash on the skin, irritation in the eyes, infection of the brain and infection throughout the body.

Treatment

Oral acyclovir is used as an effective treatment option for genital herpes, chickenpox and herpes zoster. It works by reducing the pain of herpes lesion and decreases the frequency of herpes outbreaks along with reducing the severity of the recurrent infections. Aciclovir reduces pain, limits the spread of virus, shortens the healing time and blocks the formation of new lesions. Acyclovir can reduce fever associated with genital herpes within 24 hours after the virus has entered your body. It is available in the form of tablets and oral suspension. Aciclovir is available in the form of topical cream, which is used on the infected area of the skin so that the patient is relieved from the pain and irritation.