Herpes simplex is one of the sexually transmitted viruses for which there is no cure. If you have already received a diagnosis of this type, using a condom in all your sexual relations will prevent the virus from spreading further. But what happens when you decide to get pregnant, or if you have received your diagnosis when you are already expecting a baby?
What is herpes?
The so-called genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and is acquired through sexual contact with a person who has it.
The symptoms it produces can range from mild to severe, and usually include a rash, blisters that appear in a group and cause itching, pain and burning, and then disappear on their own.
However, this is not the end of the problem. The lesions can reappear at various times throughout life, and it is in this period of outbreaks when the virus is most contagious and can pass from one person to another through sexual intercourse. The fact that the first lesions seem to heal spontaneously makes it more difficult for the person to seek medical advice and receive diagnosis and treatment.
I am pregnant and I have herpes, what do I do?
Although the virus can be transmitted during pregnancy, these cases are rather rare, according to what explains Dr. Valinda Riggins on The STI Project, a website that aims to break the stigma around sexually transmitted infections (STI) through reliable information.
When going to consultations during pregnancy, it is likely that the doctor will request several STI tests to detect if there is any risk for the product. If an infection is found in this process, it is most often recommended that a caesarean section be scheduled, since vaginal delivery can expose the baby to contact with infectious microorganisms.
However, in the case of genital herpes, this decision will depend more on whether or not the woman has an outbreak (if there are visible symptoms) at the time of delivery. This is because if the virus is in a latent stage, it is much less likely that the baby will acquire it when passing through the birth canal. Either way, you can choose an option by talking to your doctor about what’s best for you and your baby.
Can my baby get herpes after birth?
Since HSV-2 is spread through skin contact, you may be able to pass it to your baby if you first touched a part of your own body where the virus is active. But do not be alarmed, the measures to avoid this type of contagion are: wash your hands very well before touching your baby, avoid touching him if you have any symptoms of herpes on your hands, and prevent any lesion on your skin from coming into contact with the baby.
On the other hand, breastfeeding is a fairly safe practice even if you have the herpes virus, since it is not transmitted through milk. However, if you have herpes lesions in your breast area, avoid letting your baby come into contact with it. You can achieve this by covering the area of the injury well. If this outbreak is only on one breast, for example, you can continue to breastfeed on the other.
Treatment during pregnancy
Medications used to treat herpes can be used during pregnancy without any risk to the product. What’s more, your doctor will most likely recommend starting treatment as soon as possible in order to keep the risk of transmitting the virus to the fetus low.
Treatment for herpes has two objectives: to heal the lesions faster (which facilitates the transmission of the virus) and to prolong the time without outbreaks, by decreasing viral activity for long periods of time.
Although HSV-2 is an infection that no one wants to have, with proper medical care it is possible to control it and protect your baby from it.
And remember that if you need sexual health services, such as free condoms and free HIV tests, at AHF Latin America and the Caribbean we have them for you. Find our offices in your country or write to us on Whatsapp.
