Having herpes does not prevent pregnancy. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common viral infection. With appropriate medical guidance, individuals with herpes can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Herpes and Fertility
Genital herpes does not impact a woman’s ability to conceive naturally. The virus does not interfere with essential biological processes for pregnancy, such as ovulation, egg quality, or the uterine environment. Therefore, a herpes diagnosis is not a cause of infertility.
While some untreated sexually transmitted infections can affect fertility, herpes does not pose a similar threat to a woman’s reproductive capabilities. If an outbreak occurs, it may be advisable to delay conception efforts until symptoms resolve, but the underlying ability to get pregnant remains unaffected.
Managing Herpes During Pregnancy
Informing healthcare providers about a herpes diagnosis is important for ensuring a safe pregnancy. Medical professionals can monitor the condition and implement strategies to reduce transmission risk to the baby. Regular prenatal check-ups allow for ongoing symptom assessment and discussion of management.
Antiviral medications play a significant role in managing herpes during pregnancy. They are often prescribed from 36 weeks gestation until delivery. This suppressive therapy prevents outbreaks and reduces virus presence, lowering transmission risk during birth. Acyclovir is commonly used and considered safe, with specific dosages determined by the healthcare provider.
Protecting the Baby During Delivery
Herpes transmission to a newborn primarily occurs during vaginal delivery if the baby contacts active lesions in the birth canal. This can lead to neonatal herpes, a serious but rare condition affecting the baby’s skin, eyes, mouth, or internal organs and the central nervous system. The risk is highest if a mother contracts a new genital herpes infection late in pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, as her body has not yet produced sufficient antibodies to pass to the baby.
If a mother has active genital lesions or symptoms of an impending outbreak, such as itching or tingling, at labor, a Cesarean section (C-section) is typically recommended. This bypasses the birth canal, significantly reducing the baby’s virus exposure. If no active lesions or symptoms are present, vaginal delivery is generally considered safe. For women with recurrent herpes, transmission risk during vaginal delivery is very low (less than 1-3%), as maternal antibodies offer some infant protection.
Herpes and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is generally safe for mothers with herpes, as the virus is not transmitted through breast milk. The main concern for transmission is direct skin-to-skin contact with active lesions. If a mother has active herpes lesions on her breast or nipple, she should temporarily avoid breastfeeding from that affected breast.
To prevent transmission, active lesions on other body parts should be carefully covered to avoid baby contact. If a lesion is on the breast, express milk to maintain supply, but discard it if it contacted sores. Breastfeeding can continue safely from the unaffected breast, provided no lesions are present. Strict hand hygiene is also important to prevent inadvertent virus spread.