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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

32 weeks- Coldsore and worried about genital herpes

16 replies

Ploiuy · 29/01/2021 15:44

Apologies in advance for the length of this, my mind is a mess and I just need to get everything down. Would appreciate any replies/advice/support. Regular poster but have NC as I am so ashamed and embarrassed.

32 weeks with DC2. Last week developed a cold sore after feeling run down and slight cold the week before. Have had cold sores since I was little as do most of my family including DH. I usually get a cold sore around 1 or 2 times a year and don't take anything for it, just apply Vaseline and its usually gone within a week. So at first I was worried because this is the first time I have ever had a cold sore when pregnant and after checking online consensus seems to be its not as dangerous if you have had them before as you will pass on the antibodies.

I was okay for a few days but then came across a thread on MN where a poster had previous history of coldsores etc but her baby still contracted neonatal herpes. Thank God baby survived but was seriously unwell. Apparently she had inadvertently touched her cold sore and then forgot to wash her hands when using the bathroom so she ended up with genital herpes however had no symptoms so she had no idea. There was a similar story from Australia where another woman had no clue she had genital herpes as her only symptom was thrush, and her baby sadly died a few days after being born.

I can't get this out of my head, the past few days have been horrendous. I am dreaming about this at night and constantly googling/crying during the day. I am worried that I might have touched my colsore and then used the bathroom or sorry TMI- as my DH gets coldsores, what if he touched his mouth during intimacy and then touched me down below or something like that and I have genital herpes but just haven't realised yet?

Added to this is since reading these stories, again TMI- my vulva is itchy, swollen and sore. I don't know if its just in my mind or a common thing in pregnancy. I did have thrush off and on in my first trimester but now I just keep thinking its genital herpes and its going to affect the baby.

Before all this I had the usual worries about pregnancy/labour/baby but nothing comparable to this level of anxiety. Last week I was getting my hospital bag ready, matching up baby outfits feeling the mixture of excitement and nerves and now I can't even repeat the kinds of terrible thoughts coming into my mind.... getting thoughts that I need to prepare myself for the worst possible outcome. I feel sick and can't concentrate on anything else.

In my previous pregnancy I did suffer from different thoughts about toxoplasmosis mostly. Thank God everything was okay and after DS birth I haven't had any severe worries but now it just feels like this has come from nowhere. And I just don't know what to do.

I did contact my midwife about this and she said its unlikely that you can develop genital herpes in this way and just to stick to official websites etc but I can't shake this feeling.

On a practical note I am thinking maybe I need to take acyclovir from 36 weeks so hopefully won't get another coldsore? Even if I have to pay for it myself. I'm just so scared that what if I have genital herpes and this is my first outbreak or asymptomatic shedding.... I just feel sick with worry.

OP posts:

Ummm21 · 29/01/2021 16:10

Hi, I think the midwife is correct about the chances of catching GH in the way you have described. Its clear you are very worried so I would speak to your GP. My friend has GH and was given antiviral medication from around 34 weeks. She had no outbreaks in that time and baby arrived safe and sound. The GP will give you this if they think its necessary but I suspect they may tell you it is not if you've never had GH outbreak before. Please don't worry, the stress won't help xx

Original poster

Ploiuy · 29/01/2021 17:33

Thanks so much for your reply. Yes you are right I do need to speak to the GP about this, so will call them tomorrow.

It's the constant sense of panic and dread that I am struggling to cope with.

Thanks once again.

OP posts:

Ummm21 · 29/01/2021 18:24

You're welcome. I'm sure you will be ok but like I said even if it turns out you did have it, there are things they can do to prevent issues for the baby at birth etc. Its important you don't make yourself ill with worry as that may just bring on a other coldsore. It will be ok xx

TeddyBeans · 29/01/2021 18:31

Either GP or a sexual health clinic (if they're open) I had GH during pregnancy - was tested and it was the coldsore version rather than the GH version which makes sense as I've never had GH before and haven't since.

Was given acyclovir to take and it was fine. If you have an active case of GH when you go into labour they'll csection you because of the risk I believe.

But most of all, try not to worry. It's a manageable condition

BabyBee93 · 29/01/2021 18:45

Sorry this is not related to your post exactly, but L-Lysine supplements will stop you ever having a cold sore again! Not sure that you can take while pregnant but if you're anxious after baby arrives you might feel more at ease by taking them so you don't pass on to baby. Try not to overthink, it's the worst thing for you

SquigglyOne · 29/01/2021 19:26

I got a cold sore at 39 weeks pregnant - like you I’ve got them on and off my whole life. My midwife just asked whether it was my first ever one and when I said no said not to kiss baby if it was still there when he arrived and not to worry. Luckily it had cleared up by the time he was born however I developed another when he was 2 weeks old 😒

I’m sure the stories you have read are very rare occurrences please try not to worry - just keep washing your hands and I’m sure all will be fine xx

RosettaR · 29/01/2021 19:30

Speak to the GP, hopefully they can look at it or do some tests and confirm if it is genital herpes. Like you say that's really unlikely. I get coldsores too and have (touch wood) so far avoided transferring the virus down there, despite it always being a theoretical possibility. I empathise with the anxiety though, I've had so many similarly anxieties this pregnancy. I don't have a solution though, only you are definitely not alone!

User3covid · 29/01/2021 19:30

I have GH (one flare up upon contracting it more than a decade ago and that’s it) and didn’t even tell midwives or GP I had it. Actually haven’t told my pet er either and he hasn’t contracted it, I think my immune system has super suppressed it.

Baby is fine.

I think if your body has the virus under control ie no active flare ups during labour and delivery there is only a minute risk.

PFin · 29/01/2021 19:54

Hi OP
I get coldsores all the time, they are bloody awful things. I think you are being over anxious about this. Those stories you read are probably the one off's that hardly ever happen and they where the unfortunate people it happened too. You've suffered coldsores since little, whats the chances you've spread it via this way now.

Original poster

Ploiuy · 29/01/2021 20:24

Thank you all for your replies. I really needed to get this all written down and the support I've received from you is helping me think a bit straighter. I have told DH what I'm worried about but he is really a positive outlook kind of person and thinks I'm overanalysing.

I am planning to call GP tomorrow morning its now a triage system so hope to get a callback soon and discuss things. I think I would feel a bit better if I cpuld get the antivirals providing they are safe to take in the 3rd trimester?

@TeddyBeans if you don't mind me asking what were your symptoms which led to you getting tested?

@BabyBee93 Never heard of Lysine before- thanks for that suggestion, going to check it out now.

@RosettaR the anxiety is something else isn't it? It's like if I get a moment where I've managed not to worry, all of a sudden it comes back like somebody poking me repeatedly in the side.

Thank you all once again will hopefully be able to give an update after speaking to the GP.

OP posts:

jade1985101 · 29/01/2021 20:27

I have gh I had this years before I had my child when I was due my daughter I had an outbreak as I was stressing about giving birth,the doctor gave me some one cream and it cleared up before I gave birth I was able to have a natural birth and I have healthy child with no side affects I never passed the virus onto my child. Swelling itching and some discharge is normal with pregnancy you will know if you get gh the first outbreak is really painful and you can hardly walk when you get it I didn't want to to get out my bed for the first week. Just practice good hygiene and use separate towels if you get cold sores avoid kissing the baby when baby arrives and I would avoid letting others kiss the baby at the newborn stage. You will be fine try not to worry about it and just be wary of any signs that your away to get a cold sore.

TeddyBeans · 29/01/2021 20:32

I had actual sores down below and had freaked myself right out thinking I was going to get sepsis and my little one was going to get really poorly. I'd been to the GP and they'd prescribed something for a skin infection which stung like an absolute bitch and made my anxiety about it even worse.

OOH GP took one look and said I needed to go to the sexual health clinic as she thought it was GH but they'd know for sure. Sure enough when I went the next day she said it was, did a swab to see whether it was HSV1 or 2 and sent me home with the acyclovir and some delightful numbing gel!

She gave me enough to get me through the rest of my pregnancy and it was put into my pregnancy notes and never spoken of again 😊

TeddyBeans · 29/01/2021 20:37

DS was also born vaginally at 39+4 and was absolutely fine. I had been taking the acyclovir since 38 weeks as instructed

Moo678 · 29/01/2021 22:41

Most genital herpes are caused by HSV 2. Most cold sores are caused by HSV 1. It’s very unusual for either virus to affect the other site. I’ve had 3 babies - I usually get lots of cold sores in pregnancy (have one at the moment actually) and have never given myself genital herpes. This really isn’t worth the headspace you are giving it. I do think focussing on your health anxiety is probably more important as you prepare to become a mother.

There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of either - I’ve been getting cold sores since I was 5 yrs old and it is not in any way my (or your) fault.

Good lock work the rest of your pregnancy.

Original poster

Ploiuy · 30/01/2021 17:31

Thank you all. Your responses have helped me immensely to try and think more practically.

Called GP today and the earliest a doctor can call me back is tomorrow so will update then.

@TeddyBeans goodness what an ordeal that must have been going back and forth, I am so glad everything went well in the end.

Thank you again to everyone who posted.

OP posts:

TeddyBeans · 30/01/2021 17:49

@Moo678

There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of either - I’ve been getting cold sores since I was 5 yrs old and it is not in any way my (or your) fault.

Good lock work the rest of your pregnancy.

This is what the sexual health lady said - I guess I'm just that kind of special 😂

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