Question:
Hi Everyone,

I have a 19 month old son. I have faithfully been with my husband for 4 years, married for 2. My husband has been having what I believe are Herpes symptoms for around 3 years now, and I just got tested on 6/12 and I am anxiously awaiting my test results. I have never had any symptoms/sores or any type of STD in my life.

My question is: When I was pregnant for my son, wouldnt it have been necessary to have tested me for Herpes? He was born healthy (vaginally) and has not had any Herpes symptoms. I would have been exposed to Herpes before my son was concieved, so not testing could have put my son at risk, even though I have never had an outbreak.

I also wanted to know, in the event that I have been exposed to Herpes, would it be safe for me to try to concieve again knowing I have the virus? Like I said I have never had any outbreak of any kind that I know of...and I want to try to have my 2nd child soon.

Any advice would be appreciated :)

Answer:
Hi there....

Unfortunately, doctors do NOT test for herpes in pregnant women. Which I think is a HUGE mistake. I think along with all the other STDS we are tested for, HSV1/2 is something we should also have bloodtests for. Granted, most people have hsv1 (coldsores) but not all people, especially women, are aware they have genital herpes.


Usually, if you do have genital herpes, the ob/gyn will do a visual check to make sure that there are no sores present at the time of delivery. If he/she deems things to look safe, then you can have a vaginal birth. Many women who do have genital herpes do have vaginal births and do NOT pass it onto their children. However, should a lesion/sore be present, then the doctor will advice you to have a csection. Rule of thumb, infant and lesion should never EVER meet.

Was the doctor aware with your older child that your spouse have hsv2? If not, make sure that he/she does know. That way, they will know what to look for, OR can even do blood testing on you to see if you have hsv2.

As for the next time around, if you do contract herpes, there is no problem with conception, etc. The herpes can not get to your unborn baby. Again, it will be only at the time of delivery that you and your doctor will decide to have a csection or vaginal birth.

The only time herpes might effect yoru child in utero is if you contract the virus will pregnant. If you have your first/primary outbreak in the beginning stages of pregnancy, if can be bad for the baby. Once you ARE pregnant, you and your husband might want to consider using Valtrex (for him suppressively to lessen the chances of passing it onto you) as well as condoms. Or abstain. Again, this is to protect the unborn. If you already have the virus, well then, no worries. You will already have the antibodies built up in your system to help protect the unborn from the virus. I am not saying hey, just get herpes...no not at all. Just be very very careful while preggo if you do NOT have it.


Good luck to you and your growing family!!! ;-)

Answer:
why is it that doctors do NOT test for herpes in pregnant women? knowing the risk to the unborn child, during delivery, would make me think it would be quite wise to test:confused:

Answer:
that is the million dollar question bluefrog. Honestly, I don't know why they don't automatically test pregnant women for hsv2.

I know many docs will only test non pregnant women if they show visible signs of hsv2 ( despite the fact that there are bloodtest to determine whether or not you have the virus in your system.) it is stupid. You would think for something as precious and important as an infant and that child's safety, they would test automatically.

As women, it important for us to take a stance against doctors who say nay to hsv testing. MAKE Them, or find a doctor who will. Remember this: These bastards work for YOU. Whether you have insurance or pay out ofyour pocket....many of the God-complexed medical oofs think they are better than their own patients....the people who PAY FOR THEIR MEDICAL PRACTICE.....so it is up to us all to stand strong and TELL these people what we want and what we expect. Being tested for hsv is not anything crazy or out of the ordinary...so....

I of course, have little to no faith in many doctors. I use to have a GREAT ob/gyn but then I moved to a different state, and I have an ok one now. But in both states, every other doctor I had have been utter buffoons and ignoramuses and it is scary to me that these people are practicing medicine.

Just my two cents on that topic. hahahaha!

Answer:
Hey everyone,

Thanks for the replies! Unfortunately, I was diagnosed 2 days ago with HSV2. Apparently I do not have HSV1 which makes sense since I have never had a cold sore. My obgyn was stating that my immune system has done a great job at supressing this virus because I have not had an outbreak. I would have been exposed at least 3 years ago, if my husband is the one that gave it to me.

I am becoming more educated about living with Herpes, and having children. My obgyn told me I have extremely little possiblity of giving this to my son, unless he touches my genitals or any infected area (which wouldnt happen).
She made me feel more comfortable about it, even though it is devastating.

I also agree that doctors should make HSV testing mandatory in pregnant women, just like that make HIV and STD testing mandatory at my facility. Even though my husband and I were in "denial" about him having herpes 2 years ago when I got pregnant, I still feel like I could have put my baby in jeopardy. I really didnt know that Herpes wasnt a "routine" STD test. I know so much more now than I did. I definately will not make the same mistakes twice! Thanks for the info ladies!

Answer:
On hsv testing during pregnancy I am betting that the medical professionals are reluctant to test for this for two reasons:

the first being that your std status can change during the course of the pregnancy; and,

secondly, it is very ellusive and the testing has so many false negatives.

I still think that obstetricians should teach pregnant women how hsv is contracted and how to reduce transmission and pediatricians should teach parents how to instruct their offspring to prevent contracting it.