Genital Herpes during Pregnancy

Genital herpes is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) that is caused by a virus. An active infection can cause itching, blisters, and sores (lesions) in the genital area or rectal area.

This is called an outbreak. Symptoms of genital herpes may last several days and then go away. However, the virus remains in your body, so you may have more outbreaks of symptoms in the future (recurrent infection).

Genital herpes is particularly concerning for pregnant women because the virus can be passed to the unborn or newborn baby and cause serious problems.

When can the herpes virus be passed to my baby?

The virus can be passed to your baby:

• Before delivery. The virus can be passed to your unborn baby through the placenta. This is more likely to occur if you get herpes for the first time (primary infection) in the first 3 months of your pregnancy (first trimester). This can possibly cause a miscarriage or birth defects in the baby.
• During delivery. This is more likely to occur if you become infected for the first time late in your pregnancy. The virus is less likely to pass to your baby if you had herpes before you became pregnant. This is because antibodies against the virus develop over a period of time. These antibodies help to protect the baby.
• After delivery. As a newborn, your baby can get a herpes infection if you touch active lesions and then touch your baby without washing your hands.

Can I take medicines for herpes during pregnancy?

Medicines may be prescribed that are safe for a mother and her unborn baby. The medicine can help to reduce symptoms or prevent another outbreak of the infection. If the infection happened before you became pregnant, medicine may be prescribed in the last 4 weeks of the pregnancy. This can help to prevent a breakout of the infection at the time of delivery.

Will herpes affect my delivery?

Your baby will likely need to be delivered by cesarean delivery (“C-section”) if:

• You have an active, recurrent, or new herpes outbreak at the time of delivery. This is because the virus can pass to the baby through an infected birth canal. This can cause severe problems for the baby.
• You have any signs or symptoms of the infection being present in the genital area, even if you do not have any visible lesions in the birth canal. Other symptoms may include genital pain, burning, and itching.
• You develop the infection for the first time late in your pregnancy. Your health care provider may recommend a cesarean delivery because your body has not had the time to build up enough antibodies against the virus to protect the baby from getting the infection.

You will likely be able to have a vaginal delivery if you had a first-time herpes infection before your third trimester and you have no evidence of an outbreak when you go into labor.

Can I breastfeed my baby?

A woman who is infected with genital herpes can breastfeed her baby. The virus will not be present in the breast milk. If lesions are present on a breast, the baby should not breastfeed from the affected breast.

How can I avoid passing herpes to my baby after delivery?

Take these actions that can help you to avoid passing the virus to your baby:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often and before touching your baby.
• If you have an outbreak, keep the area clean and covered.
• Try to avoid physical and stressful situations that may bring on an outbreak.

When should I seek medical care?

Seek medical care if you have signs or symptoms of a herpes outbreak at any time during your pregnancy. These signs or symptoms may include:

• A rash, blisters, lesions, or ulcers in your genital area or rectal area.
• Burning, itching, or pain in your genital area or rectal area.
• Trouble urinating.