Genital Herpes- What to Do if You are Pregnant?

If a newborn child contracts herpes, it may be dangerous for the health of the child. Parents, especially mother should take precautions to make sure that the child does not contract herpes. Here are the facts-Delivery Through birth Canal-If a woman has active herpes outbreak, she can pass on the virus to her newborn child if the child is delivered through the birth canal.Herpes during the last trimester-Mothers who have contracted herpes during the last trimester of pregnancy may not have developed antibodies for herpes. The newborn child of such mother is at a higher risk.Herpes before pregnancy-If the mother is already suffering from herpes before pregnancy, she will pass on antibodies to her child through placenta. Such children are relatively safer.Active outbreak of herpes during the delivery period-If mother is having active outbreak of herpes during the delivery period, the child should be delivered through a Cesarean section.Partner of a pregnant mother-The partner of a pregnant mother should get tested for herpes even if he shows no outward sign of herpes. If he is found to be suffering from herpes, it is advisable to abstain from sexual activity during pregnancy.Medications-The US FDA has not approved any anti viral medication for pregnant mothers. Some women do take anti viral medication during pregnancy. The child should not be kissed by anybody with active oral herpes or cold sores. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.