I have genital herpes and don’t want to infect my baby!

17-18 weeks pregnant, Health advice, Questions/answers

I don’t know if you can help me, but I have genital herpes. I don’t currently have an outbreak, but I am pregnant and scared for my baby. Please, how can I prevent infecting my baby?

Laura


Laura, pregnant women who know they have genital herpes, should notify their health professional. They will then take precautions when treating you for an outbreak during your pregnancy. Also, around the 36th week of pregnancy, you will be prescribed a treatment to prevent active wounds on your vulva during childbirth. This is to avoid having a cesarean section because the baby’s eyes and mouth could become infected if born vaginally. An infection could lead to severe complications for the baby. If the doctor knows ahead of time, they will do everything to make sure the baby doesn’t become infected.

Marie

The Baby Expert 

 

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Being Pregnant

Being Pregnant

You just learned you are pregnant. You have questions about the changes that will take place during the pregnancy? Along
Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do you know which medications are allowed during pregnancy? What can you take for nausea or headaches? What about a
Adapting to the return home with a newborn

Adapting to the return home with a newborn

Family life changes after the birth of a baby. How can you prepare for this event and help the transition
Breastfeeding : Living the first moments

Breastfeeding : Living the first moments

Did you just give birth and the baby is searching for your breast? Along with Vicky Lefebvre, a breastfeeding consultant,