Herpes and delivery?

[Hotmama444]

I was diagnosed with Herpes but have never had an outbreak on my genitals. I get a quarter size cluster of blisters on the outside of my thigh. I have not had an outbreak in awhile until NOW!
I am due to deliver my baby in 2 wks and have a cluster of blisters on my outer thigh. The GP wanted to start anti-viral drugs but I declined because I was not infected. Now I am scared for my baby and am really wondering if the herpes infection is indeed in my birth canal as I see it on my thigh and have never had an sores on my vagina area. I do not want to have a C-Section.
If indeed the virus is in the birth canal, would going on anti-viral drugs now protect the baby for a vaginal birth?? Please respond asap as I am nearing my due date very soon.
I thank you in advance.

[Liza55]

You do NOT  need a c-section unless you have active ulcers at delivery. I am hoping the sores on your thighs ( although that seems an unusual place to get them) will go away before the birth. Your MD will usually place you on some medication a couple of weeks prior for preventing a breakout. Trust your MD's advice closer to delivery, but let him know that you prefer a vag delivery.

[Hotmama444]

I am going on Aclyvir (sp?) but am not too sure how soon that works in stopping the onset of the virus. I am having one of the worse break outs in years too! I am very upset about it, which isn't helping. I am definately concerned about the baby and delivery. I will be speaking with the GP tomorrow or today. I suppose a C-section may be the best alternative for the safety of the baby.
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it so much.

[andreagee]

I would consider the health of the baby as the number 1 priority.  I myself delivered my son via c-section due to herpes and I feel that it was the right choice.  Although a C-section requires a great deal more recover time then a vaginal delivery it was totally worth it for me.  You will have to make a decision that you feel comfortable with though.  Please let me know if you have any more questions that I can help with.

[montie]

I have read that genital herpes is one of the reasons for C-sections.  You may not have a choice.

[mlb1234]

Although I do not know a ton about this my guess is that if you are not going to take the antivirals you should probably have a c-section especially with your recent outbreak.  That way you know for sure the baby will not be exposed.  If you have an outbreak on your upper thigh it is possible you also have them in the birth canal but you are not able to actually see them.  I think your doctor can give you the best advice here -especially since you never get rid of herpes - it would be sad to pass it on to a newborn baby and I am not sure what kind of problems it can cause.