Can mother with herpes passing antibodies on to child?

[lovingmyself2014]

Is it possible for a mother with herpes to pass on her antibodies to the virus to her child? I just found out that my mother has herpes and had it before I was born. Now I have it. Could that be why I never had the traditional first outbreak? I have only had prodome symptoms, but never a lesion, or anything visible.

[MMissouri]

If it were possible to pass on the antibodies to the child then that would give them more protection, perhaps you mean the virus itself? She could have given you the virus. Is this HSV1 or 2? Where are your OB's?

[WCSDancer2010]

If she had herpes when you were in utero, then you would have the antibodies at birth but they would go away in about 6 months because you wouldn't have the virus for the body to continue to produce them. When my daughters were born, they blood tested them at 6 months (rather than at birth) to make sure they hadn't got it from me during the birth...but to be honest, of they had gotten it then the odds are very high they would have been VERY sick ... babies don't fight the herpes virus very well :(

 

We don't know why 80% of people have no symptoms and the other 20% have varying levels of prodromes and symptoms. It could be immune function. Or hormones. Or thyroid function (just starting to research this one) Or genetics. Or any combination thereof. :/

[lovingmyself2014]

@mmissouri I don't have outbreaks. Never have. Only prodrome symptoms. I have HSV2

[lovingmyself2014]

Thanks Dancer!

[MMissouri]

Ignore my comment then, I thought that you were referring to HSV1. HSV2 is usually in the genital area, and unless your genitals were in contact with hers, I'd rule that out. I agree with WCSdancer, if you contacted it at birth, they would know.

[Lc5008]

@lovingmyself2014 i was told by my doctor the only way babies can get herpes from the mother is if the virus is shedding at the time of birth IF they are born through the "birth canal" rather than a c-section if that helps reassure you at all