HSV 2 During Pregnancy, AKA "Herpes"

My friend has the same thing. She was broke out with the delivery of her son so they had to do a C-section. She had no outbreak with the birth of her daughter and delivered normally. Both children are fine and no symptoms of herpes.

I two had two successful vaginal deliveries with this virus. My doctor put me on Valtrex, which I took religiously, and there were no problems. I even had an outbreak during my pregnancies and still had no problems. My children's pediatrician even told me since I had it their immunity would be stronger against it. Feel free to contact me if you need to talk.
Good luck! A.

Your doctor should put you on the medication Valtrex to control your breakouts the last few months of your pregnancy. Have you been on this previously? Hope this works for you!!!!!

It will be ok. It's only a risk if you deliver vaginally during an outbreak. Your Dr will most likely have you take Valtrex daily during the last month or so of your pregnancy to prevent this. Talk to your Dr about what your options / plan of action will be. I think he or she will be better able to ease your fears. This has become a really routine thing given that so many now have this. Good luck and congratulations!

h

Hi S., My sons are 19, 26 & 28. When I was pregnant with my first son my doctor mentioned casually that we would need to be careful at delivery time since I had herpes. I didn't even know what it was - I went home checked online and panicked. There was no Valtrex or they didn't know it worked - it was a new virus in those days. I ended up with no sores, had all 3 boys vaginally and they are great - healthy, happy and no side effects. I know it is hard, but try to relax and enjoy your pregnancy - everything will be fine.

S. my son is almost a year and a half now and he is healthy as can be. But if you know u have herpes then opt for a c-section like I did. I did not want to have to worry about if I had a outbreak or not. I found out I had it when I was preg with him and I have never had a outbreak, but I had c-section just to be on the safe side!

I believe the supplement L-Lysine is supposed to curb outbreaks. Check into that to see if it is safe.
~A.

Discuss your concerns with your OB and be completely honest, so he/she will do what is best for you and your baby. You will most likely take Valtrex at some point. If you have an outbreak at the time of delivery, your baby will be delivered c-section because it is too dangerous for the baby otherwise. As long as you heed the advice of your doctor, everything should turn out just fine!!

Do not worry! If you get an outbreak before/during delivery, you will just have to have a c section. Your doctor can perscribe Valtrex to you which is safe to take during pregnancy. If you take the meds, it will suppress the virus in your body which will make you less likely to shed the virus or have an outbreak during the course of your pregnancy. If you don't want to take the meds throughout the full course of your pregnancy, just take them the last 4 weeks or so. This way, the medicine is in your body during the last part of your pregnancy and you will more than likely be able to have a vaginal delivery. If you do get an outbreak around your delivery time, it is VERY important to tell your doctor as the baby's health is at great risk. Do a google search on HSV2 and pregnancy and you will see what the risks are. Also, talk to your doctor about your fears. I had both my sons vaginally and they are both big, healthy boys! Hope this helps!

Don't worry-it has not happened in 5 deliveries with someone I know but tell your doctor and they will know what to do.
Do not opt for an unecessary c-section and feel assured that you will be fine and your baby also. Trust God!

I, too, had two successful pregnancies living with HSV. My doc prescribed Valtrex the 2nd go-round but I never took any. Both times they were only concerned about a breakout when it was time to deliver. I hadn't had a breakout since well before getting pregnant with my daughter (#1), so I worried constantly. I figured I'd finally have one at the worst possbile time. Fortunately, I never did have one through either pregnancy. Both of my kids are very healthy and show no ill effects from my carrying the virus. My son (#2)ended up an emergency C-section anyway. Like the other mom said, just try not to stress about it since stress brings it out. There are ways to protect your baby if something does happen, though, so still nothing to fret over. Just be very in-tune with your body and communicate VERY honestly with your doc! Good luck!

I have had two successful pregnancies with no problems. If you have an outbreak at the time of your delivery, then they will most likely recommend that you have a c-section. I did not have any breakouts during either of my pregnancies, but did have to deliver by c-section for other reasons. Relax and don't worry, since stress can bring on an outbreak. Both of my children are fine and neither have had any cold sores or other symptoms. Good luck!

I have had 2 successful pregnancies with Herpes Virus ... the doc put me on Valtrex around weeks 34 through 38. The doc said that if I had an 'outbreak' when I go into labor, they would do a c-section to avoid any issues. Luckily, I was over due with my first baby, and he measured so big they gave me the option of c-section vs. induced labor and I took it -- mainly because I was really worried about any potential issues from the Herpes virus. My doctor did not recommend a vaginal delivery after having a c-section, so my second baby was delivered via c-section as well.

Although I actively live with this virus, I did not have any outbreaks during pregnancy. Just know that if you do have an outbreak, the doctor should offer c-section delivery as an option to you. In my situation, I thought it was the best thing for my babies.

Don't worry. Best of luck to you!