Question:
Okay, I have been VERY upfront about my genital herpes with my ob/gyn. I got the virus from my DH......who got it from a cheating girlfriend of 6 years. Still I have trouble expressing my nervousness to my ob/gyn regarding my infection.

I have not been officially diagnosed with GH, but I have had outbreaks that match my husband's and the pictures/symptoms that I found online. Plus, it makes sense..........since my DH has it and all. So, I told my ob/gyn at the first appointment and brought it up again at my 25 week appointment. She said that she'd do a vaginal swap for GBS and for shedding virus at 34 weeks......which she did. I have yet to get the results (will at my 36 w appointment). But I think I'm having a mild outbreak. With me, I first notice it when a little sore stings when I go pee. Its a tiny one but I'm guessing it may be an ob and I am almost 36 weeks! I'm afraid that I wasn't shedding at the time of the swab.....but have an active ob now! I'll bring it up at my next appointment but I'm afraid that it will not be visable at my appointment which is a week from tomorrow. My dr doesn't seem to be too worried about it and that really really makes me nervous.

A few questions.......

If I do deliver vaginally what are the chances that my son could get it?

If he does get it, is it treatable for him?

If I do get put on Valtrex due to active shedding, how long do you have to be on the medication before I can deliver vaginally? For instance, if at my next appointment I get a prescription for valtrex and start taking it but go into labor only 2 weeks after treatment begins???

Any words of wisdom or advice to calm this nervous first time mom? My husband also appreciates any advice...........he is also very nervous.

Thanks

pregnantwith1

Answer:
[/quote]If I do deliver vaginally what are the chances that my son could get it?

If he does get it, is it treatable for him?[quote]


First of all, let me say I am sorry that you have herpes and that this stuff is putting a damper on your happy time. I can try to share my experiences as a pregnant mom (well, when i was pregnant, my boy is now 16 months!) and hopefully other mums will chime in as well. And also, congratulations on this new baby!

You would be amazed at how many women who have herpes, deliver vaginally and do not pass this stuff onto their child. Rule of thumb is this: the infant and the lesions should never EVER meet. Let us not think about if he DOES get it. Focus on what to do to ensure he doesn't.

Your doctor will probably do a visual exam on your prior to delivery. If there is any sign of sores at that time, then most likely he is going to recommend a csection. Tell him everything, if you feel like there is an outbreak about to occur or one happening at that time....be honest with yourself and with him. if you do not feel right though go with YOUR instinct. don't be afraid to say, hey maybe I shouldn't have this baby vaginally. YOU are the best to determine what isright for you and your baby. :D


If I do get put on Valtrex due to active shedding, how long do you have to be on the medication before I can deliver vaginally? For instance, if at my next appointment I get a prescription for valtrex and start taking it but go into labor only 2 weeks after treatment begins???
This is where I am unsure and I hope someone with more knowledge posts, but what I understand is this: if you take Valtrex, it generally clears up the outbreak pretty rapidly. Thus, should you go into labor, you should be ok (also pending a visual inspection.) Why doesn't this doctor just go ahead and put you on Valtrex suppressively for the rest of the duration of your pregnancy??? Just as an added precaution?!? He seems a bit too lackadaisical for my taste and maybe you should call him and talk to him about doing this...NOW. It can alleviate much of your worry. From what I understand, Valtrex might possibly offer extra protection against transmitting herpes to the baby (as well as your partner) while you are taking it. Again, talk to your OB right away. Tell him to get on the ball with this.

It is very rare for infants to contract this from their mothers but it CAN happen. Do everything in your power to ensure this doesn't happen. It is heartbreaking. I know there our mums on here who can help out with more advice as well as give you more clinical info than I can. There are also folks who have had children born with hsv1 and 2. I hope they give their input as well. Many mothers who have children born with hsv didn't KNOW they even had the virus. This is why I think blood panels should be taken automatically (like HIV, syphllis) for pregnant women so there is no shocker!


My personal experience: I opted for the c section. Mostly because I have a problem with my hip/pelvic bone. My older son and I both almost died after a horrific labor when I delivered him vaginally. (I didn't have herpes then) . So I wasn't about to go through THAT again with this child. Having herpes was like the icing on the cake for me. I just didnt want to take any chances. My ob/gyn was really cool. He agreed that 1) I should have NEVER delivered my first son Vaginally. The doctors who put us through that were cruel. 2) that because I was having frequent outbreaks while pregnant, that c section was really the only answer for me.

I will be honest too, were my hips and pelvis able to deliver vaginally, I probably would have still opted for the csection. For me personally, it was the only answer. I was having outbreaks, and even with the valtrex, I always felt I was on the verge of an outbreak. For my own peace of mind and the welfare of my son, I think I would have done csection regardless. But that is just me and everyone is different. As I always tell people, you know your body best and what is best for YOU.


I hope this helps somewhat, like I said, I hope others post as well. I believe that Yoshi or someone on here just had a baby not too long ago, perhaps she can help shed some light too. (she had a vaginal birth.) I can't remember who it was...but I hope they post .

Good luck and again, congrats!!! :D :D