Pregnancy and childbirth
Genital herpes does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive or complete a pregnancy. In fact, almost all women with genital herpes have normal deliveries and healthy babies.
Problems can occur if a woman has an active episode of genital herpes during childbirth, causing the baby to come into direct contact with the virus. If sores are present at birth, babies can usually be delivered safely by caesarean section.
Of more concern is if a woman develops genital herpes during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester (final 13 weeks). A new infection means more virus is present and that the infection is more likely to be internal. If this is the case, the mother’s body may not have had time to develop protective antibodies and transfer these to the baby. Some doctors consider using antiviral medication in the weeks prior to the birth.
- Recurrent episodes of genital herpes in pregnancy present a smaller risk.
- The amount of virus present is much smaller and the infection is much more likely to be external.
- It’s also likely that the mother will have passed on protective antibodies to her baby.
If you’re pregnant and your partner has oral or genital herpes and you have never had symptoms of genital herpes, it may be useful to find out whether you have the caught the virus by getting a blood test. If you do not have the virus, consider sexual practices that reduce your exposure during pregnancy. If possible, abstain from intercourse and/or oral sex during the third trimester.
Remember, millions of women with genital herpes give birth to healthy babies each year. If you have any concerns about pregnancy and childbirth, see your doctor.
