Herpes/aciciovir

[prayingformyrainbowbaby]

Anonymous as an embarrassing post.

I ‘possibly’ had herpes once 12-13 years again, from a previous partner. No swabs taken but I had 1 small sore and was treated with cream following an exam. I have had no flare ups since and my current partner has had no obvious issues. I’m 37+3 due for likely induction at 39 weeks, been prescribed aciciovir 400mg 3 times a day.

I hate taking any unnecessary medication, already on aspirin until labour and progesterone throughout the pregnancy.

Would just like to hear from other mums that have needed medication or have flare ups.

Hi OP

Mine used to be horrendous to begin with, but a few years down the line it settled right down and now I get only occasional outbreaks.

I was expecting it to get me during pregnancy but I had one flare at the start, then nothing after at all.

They prescribed it for my last few weeks in preparation for birth, but like you I hate unnecessary meds so didn’t bother as it wasn’t flaring up.

It was all fine. And I ended up C-section anyway.

Your baby is not at risk as it’s not a newly acquired infection, it’s really more of attempting to prevent it as any birth injuries, trauma to the area, tears etc are likely to cause a flare-up. May be worth taking it to avoid any further issues or pain for yourself x

I had so many outbreaks in my first pregnancy, in the end I actually ended up taking it daily from the first trimester.

I opted for a c section in the end just to eliminate any risk.

This pregnancy is completely different and only had 1 mild outbreak in the first trimester. I'll be doing the same and taking the same dosage as you from 37 weeks. It hasn't done me any harm and won't do baby any harm :)

Thank you both, would you have had a vaginal birth or was your c-section a decision made to prevent risks completely?

I would have had a vaginal birth with my first, but because of all the outbreaks I made the decision not to risk it.

This time, I'm aiming for a natural birth :) x

It was so long ago, I can't remember if it was a 'wart' or herpes. My tests result were negative I remember that but I was given a cream/gel. I didn't even know I had it, it was on a STI heck as my partner as the time have been with someone else.

I have had few people saying they wouldn't chance a natural birth. Midwife or doctor should notice any sores during exams or delivery?

Hi Op

my C section was totally unrelated

They are not indicated unless the outbreak is a first, or “primary” outbreak, as you haven’t yet produced any antibodies, which would cross to the baby offering protection during birth.
In that instance, contact with sores could be very dangerous for baby.

Any subsequent outbreaks you should be fine as baby would be exposed to your antibodies

But please do check with midwife or consultant to put your mind at ease!

Hi OP,
Please don’t avoid taking the acyclovir for fear of unnecessary medication. It’s recommended to reduce risks of a vaginal birth, you’ll also be offered antibiotics in labour. It’s not true that there is no risk to baby if it’s not your first outbreak.
With the acylovir and antibiotics there’s no reason you can’t have a vaginal birth. Baby will be on observations after delivery too, I know you’re not sure that it was herpes but babies become unwell very quickly from the virus so these measures are your safest option.

https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/genital-herpes-in-pregnancy-patient-information-leaflet/#:~:text=Flare%2Dups%20of%20genital%20herpes,will%20discuss%20this%20with%20you.

@prayingformyrainbowbaby Link to Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which may be helpful for you.

As can be seen from the link under “recurrent flare-ups” it literally says flare-ups do not affect the baby and if you have caught herpes prior to pregnancy your immune system will provide protection to your baby during the pregnancy.

I didn’t just pluck this information from the sky, my consultant was quite clear on this when I asked questions during my own pregnancy.

Nothing will ever be 100% guaranteed of course, though.

The risk-benefit of not taking them can be discussed with your care providers.

Best of luck!