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HSV-2 & Pregnancy
Dr.
My wife is pregnant, 30 weeks into it. She has had genital herpes for many years, she says she never gets any outbreaks any more. Her obstetrician is leaning against her taking antiviral medication at 35 weeks because she doesn't get outbreaks any more. I am a little concerned with this decision, everything I've searched online suggests that a pregnant woman with HSV-2 should take antiviral medication at 35 weeks until delivery to avoid an outbreak at delivery and a c-section. Also, I've read that outbreaks can happen without any obvious symptoms, could this be the case for her? Should we insist on antiviral medication or does this seem like a good call from the doctor? Does the medication have any side effects/risks for the infant? Advice from a specialist on HSV-2 will be greatly appreciated. Al I want is for my baby to do well at birth. Thanks!
My wife is pregnant, 30 weeks into it. She has had genital herpes for many years, she says she never gets any outbreaks any more. Her obstetrician is leaning against her taking antiviral medication at 35 weeks because she doesn't get outbreaks any more. I am a little concerned with this decision, everything I've searched online suggests that a pregnant woman with HSV-2 should take antiviral medication at 35 weeks until delivery to avoid an outbreak at delivery and a c-section. Also, I've read that outbreaks can happen without any obvious symptoms, could this be the case for her? Should we insist on antiviral medication or does this seem like a good call from the doctor? Does the medication have any side effects/risks for the infant? Advice from a specialist on HSV-2 will be greatly appreciated. Al I want is for my baby to do well at birth. Thanks!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The suggested dose for pregnancy is actually 500 twice a day now of Valtrex or 400 mg three times a day of acyclovir because of the bigger dilution factor in the blood system and also the immunocompromised state of pregnancy. And yes, 36 weeks is fine if they don't expect her to go into labor early for any reason.
Terri
Terri
Thanks! We spoke with him and he gave us the prescription. Do you think starting at 36 weeks is good enough? That's when he wants her to start. Also, what dosage of Valtrex would you recommend? I believe he gave her 500mg 1xday, but I am not sure. thanks!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I totally disagree with your doctor. The medicines are considered very safe in pregnancy, and the protocol is that women with HSV 2 infection, with or without symptoms, get suppressed, not just women with symptoms.
If I were you and your wife, I would insist on daily therapy because everything you have read says you can shed the virus without symptoms and you want the most protection possible. This is a situation where taking the medicine just makes so much more sense than not taking it - there's really nothing to lose by taking it but plenty to lose by not.
Terri
If I were you and your wife, I would insist on daily therapy because everything you have read says you can shed the virus without symptoms and you want the most protection possible. This is a situation where taking the medicine just makes so much more sense than not taking it - there's really nothing to lose by taking it but plenty to lose by not.
Terri
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
