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pregnancy and herpes
I have a history of genital herpes and have had occassional outbreaks since diagnosed about 6 yrs ago. I am 36 weeks pregnant and have a supposed herpes lesion for over a month now. I have been taking Valtrex regularly for 2 months and I have been taking 1 gram of Valtrex steadily for 2 weeks, and it is not going away. Valtrex has always worked quickly when I have had outbreaks in the past. The symptoms of this lesion (itchiness or soreness) come and go. What could be causing this? Could it be something other than herpes? Could the Valtrex be harmful to my baby? I go to the doctor again, soon, but want to be armed with all the inform. I can. The visits tend to be pretty quick. I don't want a C-section if it's not necessary, and I'm afraid they'll say that's just what has to be done. I want this healed!!
thanks for your comments.... my doctors are the ones recommending the valtrex, including the increased amount, but it definitely makes me nervous. I definitely plan to go with the c-section if they don't have any more answers for me with my next appointment. This is my 2nd child, and I didn't have any of these problems the 1st time, but they still had me take Valtrex the last month of pregnancy due to my history. I really didn't want to have a c-section after already experiencing a vaginal birth, but I don't want to risk my baby either. I just hope they can figure out exactly what is going on....
Ok, I do not like to talk about this but will because it could help you. First of all, stop the Valtrex unless your OB has specifically told you that you can take this medicine. Secondly this is what I did in your own situation. You need to be completely healed or you will have a c-section......no questions asked! I have been through this so I know what I am talking about.
Now, this is what I did and you can try it or just worry and keep it going. Get yourself some vagisil cream, can be used as it is topical and won't harm you or the baby. Bath yourself well after trimming your vaginal area well because moisture will keep the lesion going. The vagisil will coat and decrease and heal the lesion. Also, baking soda on a warm wet washcloth helps with shrinking it.
The change in your body is what is bringing this on. With even the smallest lesion you will have a c-section and make sure you talk to your doctor about this as if you deliver vaginally with open lesions your baby will suffer for a lifetime.
My first pregnancy ended up with a c-section, just like you are describing. I was young and terrified. My subsequent deliveries (two) were v-bac with absolutely no problems and after 20 years I have had no other break-outs except one small one 17 years ago. I am lucky but it only takes one.
This is a very private matter for me but I know your pain as I have been there. You have time but no time to waste.
Now, this is what I did and you can try it or just worry and keep it going. Get yourself some vagisil cream, can be used as it is topical and won't harm you or the baby. Bath yourself well after trimming your vaginal area well because moisture will keep the lesion going. The vagisil will coat and decrease and heal the lesion. Also, baking soda on a warm wet washcloth helps with shrinking it.
The change in your body is what is bringing this on. With even the smallest lesion you will have a c-section and make sure you talk to your doctor about this as if you deliver vaginally with open lesions your baby will suffer for a lifetime.
My first pregnancy ended up with a c-section, just like you are describing. I was young and terrified. My subsequent deliveries (two) were v-bac with absolutely no problems and after 20 years I have had no other break-outs except one small one 17 years ago. I am lucky but it only takes one.
This is a very private matter for me but I know your pain as I have been there. You have time but no time to waste.
I have heard that sometimes the stress of labor will cause an outbreak during labor... I would go with c section if I were you
I just have to say I'm 35 weeks pregnant and I don't have herpes. BUT, I somehow acquired a little cut down there I guess from my underwear that took a couple days to go away. I finally got a mirror out to see it and that's what it was. Also, I discussed it with my sister and she says it has happened to her before. Do you think it could be something else that is why the Valtrex isn't working?
I have heard that valtrex isn't one of those meds that have been proven safe yet for pregnancy. My best friend has had 2 pregnancies with herpes and was given acyclovir for her treatment which she was told was safe. I would still talk to your doc about it because you know how all docs have different opinions. Best of Luck.
I would only suggest you speak with the doctor about taking this medication, and also, I agree with Brown Eyed Gurl, I'd opt for a c-section just to be sure. IF you opt for a c-section, then I don't think you need to be taking the medication. Of course I'm not 100% sure about this, BUT I would highly suggest speaking with your doctor about this medication even before you get back to see him
I would not take the valtrex without my Dr's approval with you being pregnant I would call and ask about taking it.......but I wouldn't chance my babies health over it and I think if I wasn't sure I'd just go for the c-section
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