Genital Herpes, TMI...

[KayMartinez0427]

This is hard to talk about, but I went to the ER last night for extreme vaginal pain and found out that I have recently been infected with Genital Herpes and I'm 20 weeks pregnant. Its really embarrassing and I'm still kind of in shock, I was infected because my husband preformed oral sex on me while he had a cold sore, we didn't know it could spread that way. What are the risks to my unborn child.

[has jazs]

You don't have to have a c section if you have herps. It's only if your having a break out at that time. My sister has it & she has had all nature births

[BinaBops]

The risks to your baby are quite high if you have an outbreak when giving birth. Fortunately you have had your initial outbreak at 20 weeks and therefore you body should now pass on antibodies to your unborn child. Don't be too disheartened; not everyone with herpes has a c section.  A c section is only ever essential if you are having your first ever outbreak at the time of giving birth. Talk to you doctor or ob gyn as you can take supressive treatment about 4 weeks before your are due. Herpes is such a terrible word,  but,  it is just a cold sore in your genitals. Remember, if you can contact it through oral,  then you're baby can contract it through being kissed,  so as hard as it may be, you and your hubby must avoid kissing your baby if Southery I'd you have cold sores

[KayMartinez0427]

It's just so surprising because we were both clean when we got married and have been loyal to eachother so neither of us thought something like this could happen. We didn't know a cold sore could spread the real thing because they are two different strands of the virus. Before I was married, STDs were a constant fear I took steps against so getting infected while married is hard to wrap my head around. And this is like the worst time it could happen. I'm terrified.

[BinaBops]

You're very unfortunate;  by the sounds of things you have contracted HSV-1 from a coldsore your husband had.  However,  as you have identified, herpes is a virus, which can lie dormant for absolute years before it rears it's ugly head. Being pregnant is the ideal opportunity for an initial outbreak as your hormones are running riot which means that they can't necessarily keep the virus at bay. Read up plenty on the virus,  take vitamins and eat healthy. As bad as you may feel,  you are not alone. Chances are,  1 or a few of your friends had genital herpes and you would never know.

[KeyDominique]

I hate that you have that because that's something you can't get rid of... I know someone personally that has herpes and she found out when she was pregnant with her last child... Your child could get it if you give birth vaginally so you would have to have a c-section to prevent the baby from getting it... Keep your head up and stay strong and just take good care of yourself

[MBabyRose14]

There is always a chance that the baby can get what the mother has but technology and medicines are so advanced now that your doctor will help you in anyway possible to be sure your baby is born perfectly healthy. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor.