Herpes Doctor

Not necessarily. It is not that common to pass Genital Herpes to your child but it does happen. Before your child is born it does not have Genital Herpes if you do because it doesn't spread via the bloodstream. It is both Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 that carries a risk of transmitting to the child during birth. Genital Herpes is caused by mainly HSV2 but in recent years HSV1 have also caused Genital Herpes and not just Oral Herpes also known as cold sores.

Genital Herpes is sexually transmittable but can also
transmit to other areas of the body. For example you risk
giving your partner Oral Herpes if you receive oral sex if
you have a Genital Herpes outbreak. Similarly, if you have
Genital Herpes in outbreak (on your vagina) when you give
birth, you risk passing it to your child.

Generally the
risk is highest if it is your first outbreak of Genital
Herpes. If you have had a couple of outbreaks before
pregnancy, your immune system has produced antibodies to
control the virus, which can cross over into the circulation
of the unborn fetus, giving some protection.

Take the Right Precautions to Avoid
Giving Herpes to your Child

If you have a history of Genital Herpes you should
inform your doctor. You can have blood tests taken close
to delivery to see if you are about to have an outbreak.
The doctor may advise you to have a Cesarean to avoid
the risk of spreading Herpes to your baby during birth.

If your partner has Genital Herpes and you've never had
an outbreak you should also have a blood test if you are
pregnant. You may have your first outbreak when you give
birth. Outbreaks early in pregnancy aren't usually
a risk factor.

Although Herpes can be fatal for newborns, the
chances of passing Herpes on to your baby are very slim.
See your doctor for advice.

Related Links

• 4women.gov - Genital Herpes

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