Can you have a healthy pregnancy with herpes?
Bottom line: most pregnant women with HSV-2 have normal pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. Many HSV researchers and clinical experts aren’t overly concerned by these findings and don’t think women should be, either. As always, talk to your health care provider if you have questions.
What do you do if you have herpes and your pregnant?
If you have a history of herpes (or your blood test is positive), your provider may prescribe an antiviral medication such as acyclovir (Valtrex) to reduce the risk of spreading the virus or having an outbreak around the time of your delivery.
Can herpes simplex 1 affect pregnancy?
Having the HSV virus does not affect your chance of becoming pregnant. It is quite common for women to have a cold sore during their pregnancy, even if they haven’t had one for a long time. Cold sores should not affect your unborn baby.
Are herpes outbreaks more common during pregnancy?
The hormonal, immune, and other physical changes that occur during pregnancy, as well as the overall toll of growing a baby, are also thought to contribute to a greater frequency of active herpes infections. The virus remains dormant between outbreaks until reactivated.
What triggers herpes breakouts?
Triggers for recurrence — Illness, stress, sunlight, and fatigue can trigger recurrent herpes outbreaks. In women, menstrual periods may trigger an outbreak. When did I become infected? — The first time a person has noticeable signs or symptoms of herpes may not be the initial episode.
Can I breastfeed if I have herpes?
Mothers with HSV can continue to breastfeed if no lesions are present on the breasts and if lesions elsewhere on the body are carefully and fully covered.
Can a baby be born with herpes?
Birth-acquired herpes is sometimes also called congenital herpes. The word congenital refers to any condition that’s present from birth. Infants who are born with herpes may have a skin infection or a system-wide infection called systemic herpes, or both.
Is HSV-1 a STD?
Although HSV-1 isn’t technically an STD, you can potentially catch the virus through sex. If you receive oral sex from a person with HSV-1, there’s a risk that the virus could make its way into your body through their saliva. When you acquire HSV-1 through oral sex, it leads to genital herpes rather than cold sores.
How can I prevent giving my partner herpes?
Wash your hands with soap and water after any possible contact with sores. Take antiviral medication on a daily basis (also called suppressive therapy). Use male latex condoms. (Condoms may reduce your risk of passing HSV, but they do not provide complete protection.)
How long do herpes breakouts last?
Initial herpes outbreaks usually last between two to six weeks, while recurrent ones resolve a lot faster. Recurrent outbreaks should heal within a few weeks or sooner.