- 20-25
percent of pregnant women have genital
herpes.
- Less than 0.1
percent of babies get neonatal herpes.
- The spread
of herpes to newborns is rare.
- Most
mothers with a history of herpes have
normal vaginal deliveries.
- Women who
acquire genital herpes before becoming
pregnant have a low risk of transmitting
the virus to their baby.
- Newborns
may be infected by mothers who first get
herpes just before giving birth. Mothers
have not had enough time to build up
natural protection (immunity) and when
the virus is active during delivery, the
baby is at risk.
- HSV can
also be spread to the baby if someone
kisses the baby with an active cold sore.
- In rare
instances, HSV can be spread by touch.
- An infant
with herpes can become very ill, causing
eye or throat infections, damage to the
central nervous system, mental
retardation or death.
- Medication
may help prevent or reduce lasting damage
if treated early enough.
- It is
important to take precautions: use
condoms regularly or abstain from sex
until after the baby is born.
- If a woman
has active herpes at time of delivery, a
Cesarean section is usually performed.
If You're
Pregnant and You Have Had Herpes:
- Talk with
you doctor or health provider.
- Be examined
at labor to see if there are herpes
symptoms.
- Notify the
doctor if you think you have active
symptoms during labor.
If You're
Pregnant and Your Partner Has Herpes:
- Avoid
contracting herpes during pregnancy.
- Don't risk
giving herpes to your baby. A first
episode during late pregnancy and
delivery may make your baby very sick.
|