Question:
Hi there I was just wondering if anyone could help me out. I just found out that I am 4 weeks pregnant, my husband and I are delighted. I have read lots in here about pregnancy and herpes. I understand that c section is the way to go at birth. I also understand that since I contracted the disease before I got pregnant my chances of passing this disease on to my baby is really low. I did however read that it is possible to get herpes in the uterus, is that true? If it is how would you know if you have herpes in you uterus? And if the herpes was there then you would pass it to your baby for sure. I am very scared about passing this to my baby, I don't think I could ever live with my self knowing that I passed this to a baby. My husband and I have talked about it a lot lately and I am going to demand a c-section. I am a little nervous though about this herpes in the uterus. And what about the birth canal, can you get herpes there? I am also curious about outbreaks in early pregnancy. I am in the middle of an outbreak now and my doc doesn't want me to take my meds for it, will this outbreak affect my baby, since it is so early? Thanks for the help.

Answer:
My first outbreak happened when I was pregnant in my last trimester & I had know idea what was happening! Luckily, my doctor did. I was a few days past my due date and all the sudden BLISTERS DOWN THERE...WHAT IS THIS?? Needless to say I immediately had a scheduled C-Section, but have gone on to have 2 more perfectly healthy children.

As long as lesions aren't present you can deliver vaginally, but I personally never felt comfortable taking that chance and have had 3 C-Sections. Consequently, I always had a breakout at the end with all my babies, I think the stress & weight of the baby (it gets so heavy at 9 months) triggered my breakouts.

There is alot of ways you can manage your herpes during pregnancy. If you have a breakout and doc doesn't want to give you pills (probably because you are in your first trimester) ask for Zovirax Ointment. This can be applied topically on your lesions and works wonderfully. It is by prescription so you can't get in stores. I've also read that doctors are using suppressive therapy during the last trimester. Meaning, you would take a pill like Valtrex once a day for your last 3 months to prevent any outbreaks. I think that is a wonderful idea because you won't have the stress of worrying about a breakout when you're ready to deliver. I've been on suppressive therapy now for a year and a half, and I can vouch that Valtrex definitely works. I haven't had one breakout since I started taking it everyday. It's also very safe for you to take during the last trimester.

All my children were perfectly healthy and they did test each baby after I delivered for HSV. Enjoy your pregnancy, everything will be just fine!

Answer:
Hi marriedlady,

I just read your post and like you, I'm concerned about herpes in the uterus... :( Did you find more about that possibility? Did you ask a doctor? How is you pregnancy doing?
Is it possibile to have a healthy babi if the virus is located in the uterus? How can we know if it's there?
If you could help me out with that big concern.
Thanks!
tabou