cold sores and pregnancy?

[berolina]

Hi there everyone. I'm new to mumsnet - have been 'lurking' for a while and find the talkboards great. I'm currently nearly 11wks with my hopefully first baby (second pg though, early miscarriage in the summer ) and have many many questions and worries (!) but here's one that's particularly bothering me.
My dh has developed 2 lovely cold sores! Having heard that the herpes virus can have a hand in miscarriage but not having found any clear info on whether this is just true for the genital or also for cold sores, I'm rather worried. We're very affectionate and tactile and even have been since the cold sores (but not directly touching/kissing the infected area) because I thought it was OK... but am now not quite so sure! I'm also not sure whether I've ever had a cold sore before. Does anyone have any experiences or advice? Thanks!

It is only herpes on the genitals that poses any risk to your baby (and that is very small). However, do try not to catch a cold sore as pregnancy affects your immune system and a first attack could be pretty nasty - and unsightly. Also, no oral sex!

Agree with aloha, only genital herpes that poses a tiny risk. First attack can be awful, so avoid. My dh has had cold sores since I first met him, and it took me 11 years to finally get caught out and catch (is that the right word) one. Just avoid kissing or touching the area, and as aloha says, avoid oral sex. I wouldn't worry too much. Hope all goes well.

Olive Leaf Extract (aka Eden Extract) is suitable for pregnancy and zaps herpes virus and boosts the immune system - if you and your husband take it you should soon be cold sore free.

Thanks very much for your advice!
Am reviving this thread because, well, basically I'm paranoid... (But I get away with it cos I'm pregnant, don't I?) We were out today, dh applied his cream to his cold sores using a tissue which he then put in his pocket (I know!!!) and shortly after this we held hands. Then I forgot to wash hands before using the loo... Could I have transferred herpes to myself this way? And does it help that I had a shower straight after (because I was planning to, not specially)? Sorry for extreme worrying!!!