Genital herpes simplex is a sexually transmitted viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.
There are two types of the virus, but type II is more commonly associated with a genital infection. Genital herpes simplex is a concern in pregnancy because of the risk of the baby contracting the infection as it passes through the birth canalThe passage through which the baby passes during delivery from the inlet of the true pelvis to the vaginal orifice.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. during delivery.
Symptoms associated with a genital herpes simplex infection usually appear within a week of infection. Small blisters appear on the vagina, vulvaThe external genitalia, consisting in women of the mons veneris, the labia majora, the labia minora, the vestibule of the vagina, the urinary meatus and the vestibular glands. In men it consists of the penis, scrotum and the testes.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., perineumThe part of the body between the genitalia and the anus. In the female body it is the area that extends back from the vagina to anus.Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., and possibly buttocks or thighs. At first they are itchy, but then they break leaving painful lesions. A first time, or primary infection, is usually accompanied by aches and pains, fatigue, fever and possibly a vaginal discharge. These symptoms and blisters usually clear up in about two to four weeks.
Unfortunately there is no cure, all treatment is symptomatic, and the infection can return at anytime. A subsequent, or secondary, infection is usually milder and shorter in duration and occur without fever.
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Genital herpes simplex is transmitted almost exclusively through sexual contact. The risk of infection after coming into contact with an infected partner is sixty to eighty percent (3 - 4 in 5). It is estimated that about ten to thirty percent (1 - 3 in 10) people have been infected or exposed to the virus.
There is an increased risk of miscarriage associated with an infection during early pregnancy. Primary infection during the late second or third trimester may increase the risk of premature labor, but rarely causes congenital malformationsAny abnormality which is present at birth. Also called birth defects, they can arise from genetic inheritance or acquired during gestation through disease or drugs.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. Your baby cannot contract the virus unless it makes contact with infected lesions.
If there are no signs of genital herpes simplex infection when you enter labor, you will probably be able to safely deliver your baby vaginally. The risk of your baby contracting the infection as it passes through the birth canalThe passage through which the baby passes during delivery from the inlet of the true pelvis to the vaginal orifice.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. are less than 0.1 percent (1 in 1,000). Even the presence of a recurring or secondary infection may not prevent your from having a vaginal delivery, and the risk of infection is four percent (2 in 50). Regular testing after week thirty six used to be performed on women who were infected with genital herpes simplex, but the infection can recur so rapidly that this is no longer the case.
If lesions resulting from a primary genital herpes simplex infection are present when the membranes ruptureRupturing of the amniotic sac releasing the amniotic fluid. It is usually one of the first signs of the onset of labor. Also called breaking of the waters.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., there is a risk that the baby may become infected as the infection contaminates the amniotic fluidThe liquid, which is produced by both the fetal membranes and the fetus that surrounds the baby during pregnancy. The liter of fluid at term serves to protect the fetus during pregnancy and also provide active chemical exchange.
The amniotic fluid consists of maternal and fetal plasma in varying concentrations. The pH of the fluid is almost neutral and clear, although lipids and desquamated fetal cells can make it cloudy.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. A cesarean section will be performed so that the baby does not contract the infection as it passes through the birth canalThe passage through which the baby passes during delivery from the inlet of the true pelvis to the vaginal orifice.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., which is effective in ninety percent of cases (9 in 10). Some doctors recommend an elective cesarean for all women who are infected with genital herpes simplex.
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After delivery with an active infection, you and your baby will be isolated during your time in hospital. You will be encouraged to wash your hands thoroughly and wear gloves when you hold your baby to minimize the risk of contamination.
If you are aware that you have a genital herpes simplex infection, your pregnancy can be effectively managed so that the risk of infecting your baby is minimized. If a baby contracts genital herpes simplex, or HSVII, during delivery, then it is at risk of developing a herpes infection after birth, usually involving the eyes, mouth and skin.
Approximately half of all babies who are born to mothers with first time genital herpes simplex during delivery will contract the infection. Sixty percent (3 in 5) of these babies will die within one month, and half of the survivors will suffer from developmental abnormalities such as seizures, microcephalyTerm used to describe a congenital birth defect that results in the baby having an unusually small head and some degree of mental retardation.
A microcephalic head is more than two standard deviations below average circumference for age, sex, race and gestational age.
Causes include an autosomal recessive disorder, chromosomal abnormality, or some toxic stimulus. Other causes include maternal infection or trauma, especially during the third trimester.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., mental retardation, various eye problems and in some cases meningitis.
Secondary or recurring infections can be transmitted to the baby in about four percent (2 in 50) deliveries. The babies that do contract the infection face the same risks described above.
There is no risk of your baby contracting the infection through breastfeeding.
If you are not pregnant, your doctor may prescribe acyclovir to decrease the symptoms. While effective, the drug has not been proven safe for use during pregnancy, and instead other symptomatic relief is recommended. If the infection recurs during your pregnancy try taking sitz baths and ask your doctor to recommend an analgesic for pain relief.
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