Maternal infections such as herpes can infect a newborn as he passes through the birth canal or, more rarely, before birth. Herpes virus infection in the newborn can cause neonatal conjunctivitis, a red or pink eye, although other less serious infections can also cause these symtoms. Testing the drainage from the eye helps determine the cause of the symptoms. Although 25 to 30 percent of pregnant women have genital herpes, fewer than .1 percent of newborns develop the infection, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
Types
Symptoms of a herpes infection in the eye are similar to the symptoms caused by a gonorrhea or chlamydia eye infection. The eye will be pink or red, with swollen eyelids and drainage that can be thick, watery or pus-like. Drainage could also be blood-tinged. Although very rare, herpes contracted before delivery can cause chorioretinitis, an inflammation of the retina. This isn't visible from the outside of the eye but can cause vision loss if untreated. Herpes can also cause inflammation of the cornea, a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis, another vision-threatening complication.
Timing
The symptoms of herpes infection can appear in the eye anywhere from one day to two weeks after delivery. Disseminated herpes infection, or infection that affects many parts of the body, normally is apparent within the first seven days after birth.
Differentiating Between Symptoms
Several disorders can cause neonatal conjunctivitis and symptoms are often similar. Looking at the discharge under the microscope allows your doctor to determine if herpes or another microorganism is causing the symptoms. Herpes conjunctivitis occurs less frequently than chlamydia or gonorrhea, according to MedlinePlus.
Considerations
Your doctor will probably suggest having a Cesarean delivery if you have an active vaginal herpes infection at the time of delivery, to keep the baby from contracting the infection. After birth, the pediatrician will observe your baby for any symptoms of the disorder, so that treatment can start promptly to avoid long-term consequences. Antiviral medications can help resolve the infection after birth. Eye drops given to prevent infection at birth will not prevent herpes.
