herpes when pregnant

[rainbow717]

Hi ladies,

I am 37 weeks pregnant and am having an outbreak of herpes. This is the secing time since i have been pregnant, although the 1st outbreak only lasted about 3 days. Both times have not been painful. Before conceiving a havn't had any outbreaks although i have been previously diagnosed with the virus on my right hand!! I am very worried that I could or may have passed the virus onto my baby!? Does anyone know anything about the virus during pregnancy? Please help!!

I think you need to talk to your midwife. I believe there is a risk of passing on the virus to the baby during a vaginal birth, so if you are still having an active outbreak by the time you go into labour you may need to have a c-section.

Sorry you are going through this.

You can pass it on through vaginal birth if the baby comes into contact with the infected area. You should be OK by the time you get to term though. Try not to worry too much.

Your midwife does need to be aware of this as herpes can be dangerous for newborns.

Can you see your GP and get some antivirals? Even if you don't outbreaks only usually last for 7-10 days, so you and your baby should be absolutely fine.

Is this outbreak on your hand too?

Dear Rainbow717 I understand what you're going through. My husband and I were diagnosed with Herpes (genital type - yippee) when we first met and consequently I got a few outbreaks during my pregnancy 5/6 years ago. My gynea here in France put me on a prevention treatment to ensure I would not have Herpes during the birth for the reasons other Mumsnetters have mentioned in above postings. He said the treatment was completely harmless to the baby (he is in good health now) and it took the worry off my mind when, let's be honest, approaching birth is stressful enough. I was given "Zovirax": one a day to keep the Herpes at bay.

what dose was that please rainbow717?

oh sorry that was for jardins...