Herpes during pregnancy, will the baby also be infected?

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. There are two types of viruses that can cause herpes, namely the herpes simplex virus type 1 and the herpes simplex type 2 virus. This virus can affect anyone, including pregnant women. Then, is herpes during pregnancy dangerous? Check out the answer in this article.

Know the herpes virus and its symptoms

It has been mentioned above that herpes can be caused by two types of viruses, namely the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. The herpes simplex virus type 1 is an oral herpes that causes sores or blisters (filled with fluid) around or in the mouth. This type of herpes can be spread through direct contact with a wound, for example when kissing or oral sex with a person who is infected with herpes.

Meanwhile, the herpes simplex virus type 2 is genital herpes (genital) which causes sores or blisters (filled with fluid) on the genitals. You can get this herpes through sexual contact with people who have herpes.

Initially you may not feel any symptoms. Only when the viral infection has gotten worse will you experience a variety of symptoms to watch out for.

When first exposed to the genital herpes virus, red bumps may appear around the vagina of pregnant women. It can also be accompanied by an itching, burning, painful, or tingling sensation in your genital area. You may also experience abnormal vaginal discharge, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, fever, headaches, and muscle aches.

Watch out, herpes during pregnancy can be transmitted to your baby

Yes, herpes in pregnant women can be transmitted to the baby. This can occur when the baby is born normally, which is through the vagina of a pregnant woman who has been exposed to the herpes virus. The risk of transmission to the baby is greater when pregnant women are infected with the herpes virus in the third trimester of pregnancy. The reason is, the closer to the time of birth, the more late it is for the mother to produce antibodies that can protect her baby from the virus.

Your doctor may recommend a caesarean section if you become infected with the herpes virus late in pregnancy. Thus, the baby is not exposed to the herpes virus that is around your vagina.

If you are infected with the herpes virus in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is unlikely that a miscarriage or birth defect could occur. The reason is, the virus can enter the baby's body through the placenta. Fortunately, this is rare.

Another possibility is that the baby is protected from herpes because the mother's immune system will produce special antibodies to fight the herpes virus. This may save the life of the baby if accompanied by antiviral drug treatment from a doctor.

What can happen if a baby catches herpes?

When a baby is infected with the herpes virus, it is known as neonatal herpes. Babies can experience various serious problems, even risking the baby's life. Reporting from the Baby Center, here are the common problems that babies with herpes may experience.

Skin, eye and mouth infections. This infection can occur when the baby is 1-2 weeks old. Usually marked by symptoms appearing sores or irritation on the skin. If the herpes occurs only on the skin, eyes, and mouth, the baby may not have developmental problems. However, if not treated immediately, herpes can become more serious.
Central nervous system diseases. This usually occurs in babies aged 2-3 weeks. However, it can also appear at any time during the first 6 weeks of birth. Babies with central nervous system diseases may show symptoms such as fever, lethargy, refusing to eat, fussiness, and seizures.
Disseminated herpes (herpes that has spread widely). This disease has affected many baby's organs, such as the lungs and liver. This can happen in the first week of the baby's birth. However, this condition can be difficult to diagnose because your baby doesn't show symptoms of herpes sores.

How to prevent transmission of herpes during pregnancy?

Be careful when having sex during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy. Make sure your partner is free of genital herpes, as well as oral herpes. You may need to check yourself and your partner to find out if herpes is present or not before planning a pregnancy.

Also, once the baby is born it's best not to let other people kiss your baby. Remember, herpes can be spread by kissing an infected person. Herpes infections in newborns are also serious.