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Are you pregnant with herpes? Genital herpes is common and manageable with pregnancy. This sexually transmitted disease is usually caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes. Most of these people don’t know they have it.
Pregnant with herpes
If a pregnant woman has HSV, she can pass it to the fetus during birth. The fetus comes in contact with the virus as it passes through the birth canal. If you contract the virus for the first time during pregnancy, you’re more likely to pass it on to your unborn child. If you already have it before becoming pregnant, you can still pass it on to the child, but the risk is much lower.
Some people suggest that genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage or make it more likely for a woman to deliver her baby too early. However, there isn’t enough evidence to prove this.
Tips for pregnant women
If you have sores or warning signs of an outbreak at the time of delivery, it may be essential to have a cesarean delivery to reduce the chances of infecting the baby. The decision depends on many factors, including where the sores are on the mother’s body and whether the fetus would come into contact with them during delivery.
Stop by an urgent care center to get a herpes STD test. Call to book an in-person appointment or a virtual doctor visit so you can check to see if you have genital herpes and what you can do to minimize the risks of affecting your child.
