Herpes and Pregnancy

[Cindy974]

Hi all,

Im new to this website and just wondered if there were any ladies that could offer me a bit of advice from their own experiences.

So I was diagnosed with genital herpes a couple of years ago, I had a bad first out break and since then had one or two but nothing major...

Im currently 10 weeks pregnant and currently suffering my second outbreak during pregnancy (haven’t had one for a long time). Both of them have been quite bad and although I only have one sore I have a lot of nerve pain.

So my first question is has anyone from experience had an increase of outbreaks and symptoms since becoming pregnant? Are they related?
And will this affect my baby at all during pregnancy? I am a natural worrier so these outbreaks are bothering me.

Thanks in advance

My outbreaks were always hormone related, and I had a few in pregnancy. I feel for you with the nerve pain, it's hideous. The good thing is that you aren't infected for the first time during pregnancy - that's when it is dangerous. I had an outbreak at about 32 weeks and was prescribed acyclovir from 36 weeks until birth to minimise the likelihood of having an outbreak. However, they said if I did have an outbreak at birth I could still have a vaginal birth, they'd just monitor the baby closely afterwards. I was apprehensive, but it was all fine. I think triggers like stress and hormonal changes can play havock, speak to your GP and midwife if you're unsure. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy! X

Thank you for sharing your own experience and the reassurance and for your kind words.
Think I’m going to need a trip to the GP for some anti-virals if this carrys on!

Herpes is annoying, I've had it for over 10 years and now outbreaks aren't painful (just sort of itchy and annoying) and by and large the nerve pain is minimal. So it does lessen considerably over time. Yes, do speak to your GP about it, there's no need to suffer! You might get a short course of AVs now and then something later on to try and prevent towards the end. Acyclovir doesn't have much data but it's considered safe in pregnancy. Good luck with it all! X

Years ago the approach was to deliver via C section if you have an outbreak at the birth. There was certainly a lot of emphasis on the safety implications for the baby if the mother had herpes at any stage during pregnancy. I think a discussion with your midwife or GP would be advisable. Things May well have changed since then.

The guidelines very much depend on when you acquired the infection. I was certainly not told I'd need a C section automatically, so I think things have changed. The latest guidance is here: <a class="break-all" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/management-genital-herpes.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjats2a097oAhXiVxUIHYPBDs0QFjABegQIDBAI&usg=AOvVaw0K8xtLNc3ZijTjdpkwH3TV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/management-genital-herpes.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjats2a097oAhXiVxUIHYPBDs0QFjABegQIDBAI&usg=AOvVaw0K8xtLNc3ZijTjdpkwH3TV

I've had genital herpes for over 10 years and I had it sooooo bad the first time it was horrendous, as was so ill!
Then I had the odd one every year or so and then it started all the time about two years ago, so I've been on suppression medication (400mg of acyclovir, twice a day) since then.
The doctor told me to have a break last year and it came back with a vengeance, so trying for a baby was none existent so I went back on suppression so we could start TTC.
I'm still on it and my consultant told me to stay on it all the way through my pregnancy due to how ill I was when I came off the tablets the last time.
To be honest I'm relieved that I'm staying on it as it practically ruined my life when the flare ups were just constant.
Like a pp said, they will put you on suppressants around 36 weeks so you can have a normal birth, but if it's really bad they may put you on them earlier to keep you well.

Thank you all. Think its definitely hormonal, I was pretty stable until I became pregnant.
Definitely going to contact the GP and midwife as I don’t want to spend my whole pregnancy in extra discomfort along with everything else!

I found out I had hsv2 and soon after became pregnant. I had loads of outbreaks during pregnancy and was given acyclovir. Then prescribed it from 35 weeks to take daily.

I needed up having a c section as I already had one prior to this. However I was consultant led (not because of hsv) and could have had a natural birth of I opted for one x

Hi! I'm so glad I found this thread. I have had herpes for 10 years now and usually I get it frequently but quite mildly. There are however, times when I get outbreaks so bad that I stay in bed, my whole body hurts and it feels like the worst flu ever! I am 5 weeks pregnant now and I have the worst outbreak - not many sores but like you, the nerve pain is unbearable and I feel like I've been hit by a bus. I had a miscarriage last year in July and have been TTC since then. I'm so scared that with how poorly I feel I will miscarry again . I started a course of antivirals yesterday after putting it off all week because I didn't want to take anything during pregnancy - however the pain was so bad I knew it wouldn't go away if I didn't do something. Totally freaking out about miscarrying again! The first 12 weeks are so worrying!! I too will be on suppressive therapy from 36 weeks. Glad there are people here to talk to!!

Out of interest how have you managed it for 10 years without taking antivirals, do you find any topical creams work etc?

Please try not to stress about miscarrying, stress is the worse thing and effects our health so tremendously. I was fine taking the antivirals throughout my pregnancy and have a beautiful healthy baby

I wish you all the best of luck with your pregnancies x

I have been on antivirals a few times for the worse outbreaks over the past 10 years but I've never taken suppressive therapy as my mild outbreaks usually last 3 or 4 days.

Thank you for the reassurance hopefully things will be ok. It's good to hear you have a beautiful baby now! X

Im glad this topic has helped you, although its a horrible thing its kind of nice to know I’m not alone and will definitely help my stress levels! My flare up has gone for the time being, hoping it stays that way, if not will definitely have to do the same and get back on the anti virals just during pregnancy. Its awful having this to contend with aswell as all the other pregnancy symptoms.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and know you're not alone in your worry. But its also nice to have some reassurance off others.
Good luck in the rest of your pregnancy

Anyone on here who could please message me regarding genital herpes after birth would be a great help. I was diagnosed when I was pregnant so It's been hard adapting to having a baby and herpes and it's caused me to be very ocd. Recently had what I believe is only my second flare up on my thigh so I'm scared to death. Does anyone else experience this? I'd rather it just be on the genitals as I know there's less exposure to my baby.

It’s really common to have outbreaks in pregnancy because you’re in a relative state of immunosuppression. It’s good that this is a pre-existing infection and not a new one because you already have antibodies to protect the baby against it.
If you want a vaginal birth and had outbreaks they will prescribe valacyclovir or acyclovir from week 36 to prevent transmission at birth. I would talk to your midwife or GP now about current management. If you have active lesions at birth they may recommend a c section to prevent the infection being passed on.

Bit late to the thread here but wanted to reply to Pinkgirl1896as I'm in the same boat. I'm currently in year 4 of having herpes and am 16 weeks pregnant. My outbreaks have been very mild since my first one but recently I had quite a nasty one on my leg (probs the third time it has appeared there.) I'm also concerned about the increased risk for baby when they're here if I have another on my leg but have planned to ensure the site is covered and take acyclovir as soon as symptoms start, usually for me a burning tingling sensation on the site a day before blisters appear. The virus is quite weak when not on the body so doesnt survive on things like bedding or towels, but even so I will have my own towel washed daily on a hot wash and won't share baths or anything with them while the outbreak is present. The likelihood of your outbreak appearing on your thigh again is low as generally the virus prefers environments where mucus is present which is why its commonly in the genital or mouth area, you'll probably find that due to the heightened hormones and any pregnancy related stress that that is what has caused the outbreak in an unusual area. As hard is it is, the main thing is not to worry as anxiety can make them worse, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you'll find they'll ease off the longer you have it and it's only during times like pregnancy where outbreaks become more common. Just try and stay positive and know that it is so common all over the world and as long as are managing it the risk of anything happening to baby is minute!

@Cindy974

Hi all,

Im new to this website and just wondered if there were any ladies that could offer me a bit of advice from their own experiences.

So I was diagnosed with genital herpes a couple of years ago, I had a bad first out break and since then had one or two but nothing major...

Im currently 10 weeks pregnant and currently suffering my second outbreak during pregnancy (haven’t had one for a long time). Both of them have been quite bad and although I only have one sore I have a lot of nerve pain.

So my first question is has anyone from experience had an increase of outbreaks and symptoms since becoming pregnant? Are they related?
And will this affect my baby at all during pregnancy? I am a natural worrier so these outbreaks are bothering me.

Thanks in advance

Would love to know how you are getting on a few months down the line Cindy 974? :) The responses although a hard subject have really boosted my mood after my 16 week midwife appointment earlier today, I've had one major outbreak this pregnancy (its been 4 years since my diagnosis) and it sparked the whole discussion about birth options and risks to the baby during and after pregnancy so sent me down a dr Google rabbit hole! You all made me feel much more positive about the whole thing and while it's something I know its just something I have to be aware of and consider when I'm nearer the birth! Take care all.