Herpes and giving birth!

[Mothertoone2]

So I had emergency c section with my first but due to other complications, thisbwas in 2013. I then got into a new relationship in 2014 and was never told that he had herpes to be honest I don't even think he was aware. So in 2014 I was diagnosed with herpes type 1.

Im 28 weeks pregnant and currently seeing a consultant, I really want to try going through labour again and try to give birth naturally but I'm so scared of the complications just in case it passes onto baby.

I know they provide aciclover nearer the time to reduce the risk but still scares me.

Has anyone delivered safely whilst having herpes?

Thanks

No personal experience - but it’s super super common, your risk is really low. You’ll find lots of people have done this. Have you talked to the consultant about the risks yet and still worried? Or still waiting to talk more about it?

I had a normal vaginal delivery with no complications. I did not have an active case at the time and had been on aciclovir for a month beforehand. I had had the virus for over 10 years by that point so I was quite atuned to the symptoms. As I had to be induced, the midwives were also very carefully at checking for any signs throughout labour too. Speak to your consultant, but if you're worried a c-section is a perfectly valid option. X

Thank you @TenThousandSpoons0 I've have one appointment with consultant who also said the same that risks are low, I think it's just me trying to deal with it personally I'd never forgive myself if it transferred on to my baby.

Like you say it is common, I think I just need a lot of reassurance!

I've got my VBAC appointment on 12th June then I see consultant again 29th June to confirm if I'm wanting ELCS or to try naturally so I feel a bit under pressure. I know I've got over a month to decide I just feel like it's a risky decision to make.

When I see consultant again I will go over it properly to discuss risks etc.

Thank you for your help, I probably just panic a lot!!

Thank you @Maincat that's helped make me feel a bit more positive x

It's a very personal decision, and like you I was worried. I had a lot of reassurance and I felt I was well cared for. I was kept in for 24hrs post birth so they could keep an eye on my baby too. Don't rush your decision and go with your gut. Your body, your baby, your choice x

Dont worry, it's really common. one in five women have it (including me :). If you are concerned you can take anti-virals the weeks before giving birth. perfectly safe to take in pregnancy. speak to doc.

Also if you did want an elective c section, good way to push for that too :)

If you’ve had herpes before (as opposed to getting it for the first time during pregnancy) then your immune system will have produced antibodies against herpes, which will be passed onto the baby and will protect them from the herpes virus. There’s some more information here: www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pi-genital-herpes-and-pregnancy1.pdf and it’s definitely important to discuss it with your consultant, but the risk to your baby is really low.