All about pregnant women infected with herpes virus during pregnancy

Pregnant women infected with herpes virus (genital herpes) not only cause discomfort but also have the potential to affect the fetus if subjective not to treatment.

Genital herpes is caused by 2 different viruses, including HSV 1 and HSV 2. Pregnant women infected with the herpes virus can pass the virus to their newborn babies. Therefore, if pregnant women have genital herpes, you need to be very careful to protect the health of your baby in the best way.

Signs of herpes virus infection

Symptoms of genital herpes in the early stages often go unnoticed because people often mistake the disease for itching, insect bites, scratches or a yeast infection . However, symptoms suggesting that a pregnant woman has a herpes virus infection can be seen as early as two to three days after infection or as late as a month.

In addition, there will be an outbreak of blisters and sores in the genital area, accompanied by manifestations such as:

An itchy sensation in the lower body

Lymph glands begin to swell and pain

The vagina, anus and buttocks appear massive blisters, which gradually turn into ulcers.

Herpes virus infection can affect the fetus?

There is no evidence that herpes virus infection during pregnancy causes birth defects or congenital abnormalities.

Possible complications

In most cases, herpes virus infection does not cause complications, but the mother cannot, so subjective because this condition still has the potential to lead to serious consequences, such as:

Infection in the newborn: The herpes virus can pass to the baby during labor, leading to blindness, brain damage or even death.

Meningitis: Infection with herpes virus can even lead to inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: An infection can increase your chances of getting other STIs .

Bladder problems: Pregnant mothers may experience cystitis, which in turn causes pain and discomfort.

Measures for diagnosis

Some ways to determine if a pregnant mother has a herpes virus infection during pregnancy include:

Blood test It will help to confirm the presence of HSV

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Tissue culture

Treatment for pregnant mothers with herpes virus infection

The course of treatment when pregnant women are infected with herpes virus include:

1. For primary infection

If this is the first time you have an infection, your doctor will probably prescribe an antiviral medication , the dosage depends on your pregnancy. In addition, you can prescribe paracetamol pain reliever and topical gel to relieve symptoms.

2. Recurrent infection

Recurrent infection has a low risk of neonatal transmission, only 0-3%. 

In the event of a recurrent herpes virus infection, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs for a long time, accompanied by a few precautions that need to be taken regularly, such as:

Clean the affected area with warm water: This good measure will ensure hygiene and help reduce the effects of infection and discomfort. Can take a bath with salt water .

Ice packs: A cold compress is also an effective pain reliever that you can try.

Apply ointment: This can be an ointment that helps dry the sores and treat the affected area.

Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water is one of the first steps in successful treatment of a herpes virus infection. This will also ensure the skin is cared for from the inside.

Comfortable clothes : Tight clothing puts pressure on the affected area, stimulating pain and worsening the condition. Therefore, you should prioritize clothes made of cotton or linen that absorb sweat well as well as come in comfortable sizes to avoid excessive friction to the skin.

3. At the beginning of labor

Depending on the primary or secondary infection, the doctor may prescribe vaginal delivery or caesarean section.

Can the herpes virus affect the newborn?

The herpes virus can affect a newborn baby in the following ways:

Skin, eye and mouth infections: Most babies can develop sores around the eyes, mouth, and on the skin if they have a herpes virus infection. However, no major complications arise if the baby is treated promptly.

Affected internal organs: Children infected with the herpes virus can have a contagious disease that affects many organs, mainly the lungs and liver. This is a fatal condition with a low survival rate.

Central Nervous System Diseases: Infants may show lethargy, irritability, poor feeding, fever or even convulsions if infected with the herpes virus.

Can pregnant mother with virus be breast-feeding?

If you're worried about whether having genital herpes has any effect on breastfeeding your baby , the answer is no. According to experts, women can still breastfeed when infected with the virus that causes herpes. However, don't let your baby come into contact with blisters or sores to avoid the risk of infection.

You may be interested in the topic:

Help pregnant mothers understand the swollen lymph nodes during pregnancy

Hot flashes during pregnancy make many pregnant mothers tired

Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy: Dangerous and precautionary