Pregnancy and Herpes
By: Clarisse Andy | Posted: 09th March 2010
As we all know, life just isn't fair. When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, this notion seems to be magnified, and even more so when an STD is passed on to an innocent person, this is the case with newborn babies. It is quite unfortunate, but it does happen, and with the many strains of the Herpes virus (HSV), there are number ways that a newborn can become infected.
Women with herpes can have normal and healthy babies, but certain precautions need to be taken to protect the babies from contracting herpes. The likelihood of newborns contracting herpes is small if you and your health care provider use proper precautions. In women who have established herpes going into the pregnancy, the risk of neonatal herpes is about 1 in 5,500 deliveries.
Ideally, a blood test would be done at 20-24 weeks to see if either the mother or her partner has herpes. Screening for herpes is not part of the routine blood work in most practices. You may need to request a blood test to protect your baby. Remember, approximately 1 in 5 women have herpes, but many are not aware that they have the virus.
Babies who get HSV usually acquire it during the labor and delivery process. Contracting the disease while in the uterus is rare but can occur. Precautions would be taken at the end of pregnancy and at the time of delivery to protect the baby. Precautions should be taken so the mother isn't infected with HSV-2. A primary or first outbreak for the mother during the third trimester of pregnancy puts mother and baby at a greater risk for premature delivery. It also puts the baby at a much greater risk for becoming infected.
Newborns do not have an immune system that is capable of dealing with herpes. Babies can become very sick or die from herpes. If you or your partner have herpes, it is critical that you share this information with your provider! He or she can then take precautions to protect you and your baby.
If you think you or your partner may have Herpes, or have come in contact with the virus somehow, make sure you get a blood check and STD screening done to make sure. The last thing you want is to know that you brought your new child into the world with a disadvantage because you did not take the precautions.
Herpes and Babies- yes, this STD can be passed on during birth. Find out how to keep your newborn safe from this sexually transmitted disease. About the Author
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Tags: immune system, mother and baby, innocent person, health care provider, blood test, uterus, herpes, labor and delivery, newborns, proper precautions, trimester of pregnancy, herpes virus, hsv 2, newborn babies, premature delivery, third trimester, blood work