Medical Author: Carolyn Janet Crandall, M.D.
Medical Editor: William Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR

Viewer Question:

I have herpes simplex virus and have just found out that I am pregnant. Will it effect my baby before it's born?

Doctor's Response:

Herpes simplex virus in pregnancy and labor is an extremely complicated problem to tackle. A new infection in the last trimester of pregnancy has the potential to cause trouble for the baby. The most serious complication for the baby is severe neurological malfunction or death, regardless of whether or not the mother is currently having symptoms of herpes or having silent herpes infection. If a doctor makes a diagnosis of possible herpes in pregnancy, treatment with acyclovir may be indicated. Vaginal delivery is not contraindicated in all women with herpes. Cesarean section is often considered for women having symptoms in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is lack of proper scientific research information to guide the decision. If vaginal delivery does occur in a woman having signs of herpes infection late in pregnancy, the doctor may treat the baby and mother with acyclovir after delivery, or acyclovir may be given to the mother during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Thank you for your question.