Question:
Hi Everyone!

I was diagnosed with genital HSV1 in June...came as a total shock! Anyway, I'm moving past the shock and focusing on how to manage this virus. I'm also about 5 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child, so I'm obviously really concerned about what I take or use to get the HSV in check and its effect on pregnancy.

I haven't felt "normal" since my initial OB in early June. The sores all healed up (as far as I can tell) within 2-3 weeks, but I feel like I'm stuck in a constant prodromal state...constant tingling/itching every single day. I think there might have only been 1 or 2 days without the tingle and itch. Is there anything I can do to stop the itch? It's driving me crazy! Please let me know if there is anything that has worked for you.

Also, is sepreh soap safe to use during pregnancy? I just ordered some, but I can't really find any info indicating if it's safe or not.

Thanks for any advice/tips you might have. I'm sure I'll be posting here a lot more as I try to find my way with this whole herpes thing. I've already learned a lot by lurking here the past month or so, but I figured it's time I come out of lurkdom. :D


By the way, I'm not currently on any suppressive therapy.

Answer:
Congrats on baby # 3 !!!! As far as the itching goes have you tried to use baby powder down there,it usually helps me or a Summers Eve product.

Answer:
Hi My3rdCharm - congrats on your pregnancy - I just found out I am pregnant as well and am 5 wks also. And freaking out, b/c I am having an HSV1 OB. My husband and I have been doing fertility treatments for about 2 years and I feel like an idiot b/c I just never thought to mention it to the dr - b/c my outbreaks are so rare, I forget I have it sometimes. Anyway it hasn't been active this whole time that we've been trying and now bam here it is. I am scared b/c I feel like I've put my baby in danger - who forgets to mention something like that?! Of course, it happened on the weekend so I have to wait for Mon to call my dr. I guess I could have called the emergency service but I don't want to overreact either. The symptoms aren't really severe (it is pretty itchy though) but I am freaking out b/c I'm reading that there is a risk of miscarriage. Well I just wanted to vent - goodluck w/ your pregnancy and hope you feel better!

Answer:
I wouldn't worry in most cases hsv1 on your genitals rarely outbreaks after the inital. I have been reading stuff about people getting hsv1 genital through sexual contact other then oral though. That in itself is rare but it depends timing is everything.

Suppressive therpy would help alot prolly. If you have any questions any of us forum junkies will help.

Answer:
Quote: My3rd charm: "I haven't felt "normal" since my initial OB in early June. The sores all healed up (as far as I can tell) within 2-3 weeks, but I feel like I'm stuck in a constant prodromal state...constant tingling/itching every single day. I think there might have only been 1 or 2 days without the tingle and itch. Is there anything I can do to stop the itch? It's driving me crazy! Please let me know if there is anything that has worked for you."

Congrats on number 3! I have four children myself. Anyway, I had my first OB in April 07, and was not "normal" for 3 months. The visible ob healed, but the other symptoms, torture. It will get better. Try summer's eve powder or baby powder for the itching.

I am not on suppressive therapy either.

Answer:
Quote: My3rd charm: "I haven't felt "normal" since my initial OB in early June. The sores all healed up (as far as I can tell) within 2-3 weeks, but I feel like I'm stuck in a constant prodromal state...constant tingling/itching every single day. I think there might have only been 1 or 2 days without the tingle and itch. Is there anything I can do to stop the itch? It's driving me crazy! Please let me know if there is anything that has worked for you."

Congrats on number 3! I have four children myself. Anyway, I had my first OB in April 07, and was not "normal" for 3 months. The visible ob healed, but the other symptoms, torture. It will get better. Try summer's eve powder or baby powder for the itching.

I am not on suppressive therapy either.
Awesome that your doing well without it can be pricey if you don't have insurence but always other ways but I guess in general is your immune system that does 75% of the work.

Answer:
My OBGYN said he prefers to prescribe suppressive meds only if you have many obs in a year. I was clueless to all of this when I was diagnosed so i did not question him. I am okay without it for now, but if I meet somebody and plan on a future with them, I would again talk to the doctor regarding suppressive to help protect my partner if he is not carrying the virus.

Answer:
Senra, congrats to you as well! I wouldn't freak out about it...seems to only be a problem when the baby passes through the birth canal. I would definitely inform your docs though. It's good to know there's someone else out there in the same situation and also due around the same time...we can go through this together! ;)

Starphyse, thanks so much for your reply! I appreciate any input anyone has..not just about hsv and pregnancy, but hsv period since this is all new to me!

Bluefrog, thanks for sharing your experience. That's what scares me the most...the itch (whether severe or just slight) that I've had since the initial OB. I feel like it'll never go away and I'd rather just opt for a c-section even if I have the slightest itch when I'm full-term...I mean I obviously passed it to my husband genitally by just feeling a little itchy.

I went to the doc yesterday and asked him if I could just opt for a c-sec if I felt a tingle. He said they would definitely "listen to me", but at the same time they don't want to have to do an unneccessary c-sec. I told him well obviously I would prefer a natural vaginal childbirth (like my last one), but I don't want to take ANY chances in this passing to my baby. I'd much rather have a c-section and ensure the baby's safety. Oh yeah, he also said the standard valtrex starting around the 36th week to help reduce the chance of an OB at delivery time. So I guess we'll just have to see how things play out when I get close to my due date.

Another thing that has really concerned me is my severe morning sickness (hyperemesis). The doc just prescribed me Zofran (will probably take one today for the first time). I just worry that I'm not able to take care of myself and eat healthy. I hope that doesn't cause more OBs.

Answer:
Kurious, thanks! I have been using baby powder since reading your response and it has seemed to help a bit!