I am worried. I was told that if i am active with a outbreak during my water breaks that my baby wont be protected. I am now being prescribed valtrex, but valtrex has failed on me in the past. I am so scared. Has anyone gone through something like this??
If you are having an active outbreak and they know this could they not do a csection? If the valtrex does not work let them know and see if there is an alternative. Do not stress out because this is not good for you and the baby. Good luck.
Kinda. But from a different perspective.
My mum did when I was born, and this was before antivirals could help control outbreaks. So, of course, she was in an active outbreak during half her pregnancy (since our immune systems suppress somewhat during pregnancy). My grandfather (her OB) just had her place barriers (essentially H20 proof bandages... 30 years ago equivalent to dental dams) over the affected areas when she went into labor. She didn't have any interior sores at the time, just labial, and then was super strict about gloving and regloving and that nothing was inserted at any time during my birth (natural birth, no instruments like forceps used). If there had been any interior areas affected my mum would have had a c-sect.
I'm herpes free.
Ironically, she wasn't in active outbreak during any of my sibling's births. She says she thinks it's because she was so worried about ME she stressed her immune system out a lot more with me than she did with the rest who followed.
I would schedule a c-section. Why take chances on spreading anything to your unborn child.
Let your doc know you've had an outbreak with using Valtrex in the past. They may still use it (usually from 35 weeks on daily), but might use a higher dose for you. If your water breaks but the baby does not pass thru the birth canal, baby should still be fine. They'll just keep a closer eye on baby after birth. I did one of my "grand rounds" presentations during my OB rotation on this topic in school...it's been several years, but probably still holds true.
Its my understanding that if you're having an outbreak during delivery then they do a c-section.
They should do a very thorough examination on you when you get to the hospital. If they see any lesions the doctor will do a C section. Try not to worry. As you know stress can bring on an outbreak! Good luck with your delivery.
Yes, I had an outbreak and my doctor told me that I would need a c-section. My daughter had other plans! My water broke in the middle of the night and I immediately had pushing contractions. Half hour later, she was born about 3 minutes after arriving at the hospital and just slid right out! Very healthy!! Also, check out
http://www.herpes.com/pregnancy.shtml
Try your best to relax and have a healthy baby!
I'm surprised your OB doesn't have you on a preventative Rx to prevent outbreaks during your pregnancy. Mine did, it wasn't valtrex. I had no issues w/ either pregnancies. Valtrex only works if you take it as soon as you feel an outbreak coming on. Once it is an outbreak, it won't work.
Hey Priscilla,
My doctor really scared me with the whole "breakout" thing too. I decided not to take the Valtrex, and I had nary an outbreak my entire pregnancy and I was under a LOT of stress the entire time. Usually stress causes me to have outbreaks. My thoughts are, that it's only a problem if you have an outbreak while you are in labor. And if there is an outbreak, they can do a c-section. Lord knows the danger that medicine can cause to your child as there have not been enough clinical trials to prove it's safety.
