Herpes and pregnancy can be a real worry for many mothers to be. The best tool for you, though, is to talk with your doctor who will work out a plan to handle the condition so you can
avoid any potential problems along the way. The good news is that the risks of passing herpes on to your baby during pregnancy or at birth are very low, especially if you have had herpes for some time. Still, the risks are there. If the baby was to become infected with the herpes virus, they could be put in a very compromising position since their immune systems are very weak.
Understanding The Risks
Neonatal herpes, which is what herpes infected children are called, is rare. While there are no hard statistics available on the number of children that have this condition, it is believed that only 1000 to 3000 babies born each year, out of four million will have herpes infections. While an estimated 20 to 25 percent of pregnant mothers have herpes, less than 0.1 percent of all babies are born with the infections. As this risk is low, you may feel that it is okay not to be concerned. Yet, you should keep your doctor informed so he or she can make the right decisions at the time of birth to protect you and your child.
When Babies Get Herpes
While the risks of passing herpes to a baby is low, when it does happen, the situation can be dire. About half of those babies that get antiviral medications will not face any permanent damage from contracting the disease. Others will, though. They may face serious neurological damage or mental retardation. In some cases babies can die from this infection. The good news is that these risks and concern have helped doctors to become more aware of what they can do to help prevent such devastating conditions from happening.
If you are a woman who is pregnant, you need to inform your doctor of the condition from the start. They will then help to manage the infections and outbreaks so as to minimize the risks of spreading the condition to the child. If you are a man, and you have herpes but the mother does not have the condition, you can help prevent these fatal risks by simply abstain from sexual relations, even oral sex, during any outbreak or during the pregnancy. The risks are the highest when a woman has herpes. Take the steps necessary to avoid transmitting the disease to your loved one.
About 90 percent of cases of herpes in babies are transmitted when the baby comes into contact with the herpes virus, HSV 1 or HSV 2, during birth, from exposure in the birth canal. The worst situation possible is for the mother to be having an outbreak during the birthing process, because this may lead to complications and infection of the child. The good news is that doctors understand these risks and will do what is necessary to avoid problems.
Understanding the herpes types as well as these herpes prevention methods can help safeguard you and your child from the virus spreading. Doctors have the ability to help treat babies who do contract the disease, but time and awareness is very important. If you even believe there is a chance you could have herpes, let your doctor know so a full screening can be done and your child can be protected. Herpes is a very risky situation for a child, which is why many mothers worry about their child’s exposure to the herpes virus. Knowledge is the most important tool in preventing the illness.