Cold sore in 1st trimester?

[aliceinwonderland9090]

I have woken up today with the biggest cold sore on my lip - I have been prone to cold sores before (I have had 3 in the last 5 years). However, I've never had one during pregnancy.

I'm 9.5 weeks pregnant, should I worry?

Your body is so run down in the first trimester which is probably why you’ve got one! There’s nothing to worry about, it’s only around newborn babies that you should be cautious with cold sores!

I’m never a poorly person and I got the worst bought of tonsillitis I’ve ever had during my first trimester! I was just so run down, just rest and relax as much as you can😊

I suffer with them too and had a big old beast when first pregnant, ur fine to treat how u normally would, I find if I rub vodka on it using a cotton bud drys it out quickly

I don't think its anything to worry about. Just be extra careful not to spread it, e.g. washing hands every time you touch it, ideally separate towel for the cold sore area etc. That goes when you're not pregnant too though really. I've had a couple while pregnant and it doesn't cause any problem for the baby. I think the only time it can is if you have active genital herpes when the baby is born, and even that's normally doesn't cause problems. I'm sure you'll be OK!

I could have written this myself! I’m 5weeks+6 today and had a huge cold sore on my lip! I’ve been so worried as I’ve had 3 previous miscarriages. But I have read that it’s quite common in pregnancy x

Hi everyone, I hope you all are doing well.
I am currently at 10w of my first pregnancy and having an outbreak of cold sores on my neck region. GP prescribed aciclovir, which I've been using for 3 days now but haven't seen any signs of improvement. It has only gotten worse and painful (or so I think). This is my first outbreak so not sure what to expect. I'm worried about taking any painkillers in the first trimester. Has anyone got any advice, even some words of encouragement will greatly help. Thanks and take care.

@Sonjamum2b sorry to hear you're miserable. If you're using the cream unfortunately I often find it doesn't seem to do much, particularly if the coldsore is established when you start using it. Just keep it dry and try not to touch it is the best you can do. It will start to get better on it's own in a few days. Saying that it's always possible you've been misdiagnosed so don't be afraid to go back to the doctor if it keeps getting worse. From the way you describe it, it does sound big for a coldsore, is that right? The biggest I've had is still under 2cm across. Plus your neck doesn't sound like a typical location. So do go back soon if its not getting better!

Hi @RosettaR, thanks for the reply!
Gosh so much has happened since I posted that. You are right, the cream did nothing and also the diagnosis was off. It turned out to be a severe case of shingles. (I hadn't heard of it before so had no clue when I had the outbreak) Few trips had to be made to the A & E for treatment. I'm now dealing with postherpetic nerve pain. I've been prescribed codine. I'm in my 14th week now, fingers crossed, I hope it eases soon.

Thanks again for the reply ❤️