Herpes in Pregnancy
What happens if you have genital herpes and you become pregnant ?  Can herpes harm the baby ?

As far as we know, herpes can only effect the baby during the birthing process.  If active virus is being shed during a vaginal delivery, there is a risk to the baby.  Herpes virus infection of a new born can cause herpes encephalitis or blindness. If is extremely important you tell you  doctor if you have ever had herpes.  Medication can be prescribed to help decrease viral shedding during the last trimester of pregnancy. 

   

Herpes Risk to Baby

  

  • Incidence of herpes has risen 30 percent since 1970's
  • Viral shedding can transmit herpes to a baby during birth.  This can cause blindness and other serious health problems for the newborn baby.  It is very important to tell you physician if you know or think you may have  genital herpes. 
  • Viral shedding means that virus is being transmitted despite no obvious signs of infection.

Herpes Facts

  • Percentage of adults that have herpes: 1 in 4
  • Estimated number of new cases of herpes a year: 1 million
  • Percentage of infected persons who don't know they have herpes:  Over 50% of those infected don't realize it because they don't have the classic outbreak pattern, and often dismiss it as an annoying itch or rash.
  • More woman have herpes than men.  
  • Genital Herpes that infects the tissue of the cervix is suspected to have a role in cervical cancer.  This is an important reason to have yearly pap smears.
  • Women that have genital herpes on their cervix may not feel it when they have an outbreak.  This is another reason for today's high rate of transmission.
  • Herpes Simplex I, also known as oral herpes, is the herpes that you typically get on your mouth/lips.  
  • Herpes Simplex II is the herpes that is typically know as genital herpes. 
  • You can get Herpes Simplex I ( HSV 1 ) on genitals, or you can get Herpes Simplex II ( HSV 2 ) in your mouth and throat.  This occurs through oral sex primarily.
  • Incidence of herpes infection by age group: 5-10% or teenagers, 15-20 % of those in their 20's, and 25-30% of those 30 years of age or older.
  • You never get rid of herpes from your body once you catch it. You only control infection once they reactivate.
The Herpes virus infection varies depending on the site of infection; 1-oral herpes, or  on the lips, 2-genital herpes, 3-other body surfaces such as Herpes Zoster, or Shingles.   Typically oral infections are from Herpes Simplex I virus types, genital infections are from Herpes Simplex II virus types, or genital herpes.  Other body surfaces may be infected by type I or II strains, or by another one of the Herpes virus strains.  A common infection of another body surface often results in a condition called Shingles, also known as  Herpes Zoster.  It should be noted that treatment does not get rid of the virus from your body, but simply diminishes the symptoms of an active outbreak.  Some researchers believe that a persons that are infected, are contagious through viral shedding.  This is a situation where the viral particles escape the infected person's skin, even though they don't have obvious visible symptoms. Therefore, it is important to remember that treatment may not keep you from spreading the disease to someone else; including a baby during the birthing process. 

   The treatments for herpes infections include oral medication and topical cream. The location, length of time infected, and age of the patient often play a role in determining the exact dosage and combination of traditional medication.  Alternative Herpes treatments often involve natural herbal and nutritional substances.  The alternative treatments are often more successful in preventing outbreaks, than diminishing active infections.  It should be noted that little research exists to support alternative therapies, whether for preventative or active conditions.  Both traditional and alternative treatments are aimed at helping to  to cut down on the length of time symptoms are present, but do not automatically make the infection go away.  

Who can treat herpes ?  Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners.   You don't need to go the the ER for your herpes evaluation.  A walk in clinic can evaluate, and prescribe medication to treat herpes.