Advice needed: Herpes and pregnancy? Will I pass herpes to my baby?

[emmz48]

Hi all,

 

I had my first HSV 2 outbreak in July, which literally came from nowhere, then I later found out I was pregnant (I was also told for my first outbreak it was very very mild with only three tiny blisters). I already have HSV 1 and have had for many years (they're in my family). I'm currently 8 months pregnant and have had 3 OB since my first one - they're very mild, sometimes only redness or a small tear which I then take some anti-virals until they disappear (usually for 2-3 days at 2 a day).

 

I'm at my wits end with it, they make me feel dirty, horrible and almost depressed especially knowing that this horrible virus may result in having a c-section if an outbreak is present at birth. I have just come to realise that since my first HSV 2 outbreak that my cold sores (HSV1) have literally disappeared! Does anyone know why? Does anyone have any advice for preventing outbreaks? I am considering going to see a specialist about this all and possibly starting suppressive treatment once my baby is born.

 

Any advice would be fantastic or any mothers with similar experiences to make me feel less alone and more supported.

 

Thanks in advance :) xx

[WCSDancer2010]

@emmz48

 

Welcome to the Forum and glad you found us! You certainly ended up with a lot on your plate! But all is not lost!

 

I have had 2 babies with HSV. They are now 24 and 26 and healthy beautiful women. Back then, the ignorance around HSV and pregnancy was horrid. I was pressured into having a Cesarean for my first and then found out I didn't necessarily have to have it if I wasn't having an outbreak. I had to fight to change my OBGYN (living int he UK so changing Dr's was not an easy thing to do thanks to the National Health Service) ... but I did and I was able to have my second naturally...and this was right around when Acyclovir was coming on the scene but it wasn't offered to me - they just went on visual signs that I was not having an outbreak.

 

Today you can get on Acyclovir (you want to do that NOW - they recommend starting at 8 months). You need to find a Dr that will cooperate with you and your wishes and come up with a birth plan so they know what you want. Just note: If there is ANY question of an outbreak, have the Cesarean - this is the one and only time that having Herpes is a real issue. You don't want the baby to get it that young.

 

Regarding feeling "dirty" - would you feel dirty if you had only found out you were pregnant? Because really honey, both are "sexually transmitted". Neither one is something you wanted but it happened and you deal with it. You will love your baby and you will live with Herpes and life will go on.

 

Odds are the reason the cold sores stopped is that your body is working to produce the antibodies against the HSV2 and it's also boosted the HSV1 antibodies at the same time.

 

We are here for you and I will be happy to work with you as you go through this but believe me, whatever happens you will be fine and you will have a lovely baby to keep you present to what is really important - taking care of yourself and your child. #1 right now is to get to the Dr and get on the Suppressive Therapy right now.

 

(((HUGS)))

[emmz48]

Hi WCSDancer2010,

 

Thank you for your advice and support, it's much appreciated :) I am actually booking a doctor appointment today already to get that anti-viral you suggested so I will make sure I definitely do that. My Dr is also very supportive and almost like a second mum so I should have no problem.

 

With you saying both are sexually transmitted, do you mean I got cold sores sexually? I've had them since I was a little girl like very young so I always thought I accidentally got them from my father. In regards to me feeling dirty, I feel dirty as in I've had it for a long time sexually so I'm ashamed from that reason (I've been with the same partner for 2 years so I must have had it for a while or him!).

 

Thank you again :)

[WCSDancer2010]

Likely you got HSV1 Oral (ie, cold sores) from your father - probably kissed you during an outbreak not knowing they were contagious (never mind a potential STD)

 

Who knows where you got it (has your partner been tested?) HSV is the 2nd most prevalent STD - because so many have it and don't know it, combined with the fact that most are not tested for it (and believe they have been) and it's very easy to understand why so many have it.... I know someone who was married over 30 yrs before her FIRST outbreak - really put a strain on the marriage as they blamed each other for cheating until the Dr finally helped them see that she could have carried it all that time without it coming out. Herpes really is a slippery little devil. So try to let go of the "dirty" label you have put on yourself. Until we have some way of getting more standardized, regular testing, this virus will be making the round regardless of how "careful" you are, your age, sexual preferences, or whatever. :)

 

((HUGS))

[emmz48]

My partner has never been tested no but shortly after my first OB he developed a small sore too so I believe we both have it. I read on here that you can have a blood test to determine what types you carry (I believe I had HSV 1 orally and HSV 2 genitally) so I am going to request that just to confirm and ask my partner to do the same - just so we both know.

 

It does seem to be the slipperiest devil virus and I will try to let go of the dirty feeling I'm carrying about at the moment. What is your view on daily suppressants? I know I will need to begin them soon as I near the birth of my baby but I also want to carry them on after birth too. Have you ever been on them daily?

[dr_h_positive]

Hey emmz,

 

WCSDancer gave some really awesome advice as usual, and I wanted to reiterate how important it is to get started on daily suppressants as soon as possible (and not just as you near the birth of your baby). A lot of us are on daily antivirals, and it sounds like you've used them for your 3 previous OBs. If you haven't had any side effects taking the acyclovir family of drugs (also valacyclovir or famcyclovir) to this point, you should feel safe taking them for the remainder of your pregnancy and afterwards. Acyclovir very specifically targets viral proteins and DNA, so most people do very well on it daily for many years, with no side effects and no evident long term harm. It also has never been shown to have adverse effects on developing fetuses, and you can work with your doctor to get the dosing right to suppress any more outbreaks, as well as work out a birth plan you feel comfortable with.

 

Congratulations on the new addition to your life and family, and good luck with it all! I'm sure that in a few short weeks you and your partner both will have so much more on your minds - and so much joy - that this little skin condition will seem like nothing!

 

Warmly,

 

dr h+

[emmz48]

Hi Dr H +,

 

Thank you for your added advice, I have my doctor appointment booked for tomorrow so I will be starting up the suppressive treatment asap!

 

Thanks again <3