Although the chances of having a healthy baby are very good if the mother has herpes, herpes and pregnancy aren't a good mix. During labor, the baby can be exposed to the virus if the mother is experiencing an active herpes outbreak. According to Elaine Wang, M.D., 70 percent of pregnant women with active herpes show no symptoms. This can make it hard for doctors to know when to take steps to reduce the baby's risk for infection. If you think you might have herpes, let your doctor know. It's important to reduce the baby's risk because herpes virus exposure can lead to illness or death.
Baby's Risk for Herpes Infection
The risk of a baby contracting herpes from its mother is low. According to the American Social Health Association (ASHA), less than 1/10 of 1 percent of babies born in the U.S. contract genital herpes. Considering that 25 percent to 30 percent of pregnant women have herpes, the transmission rate is very low due to steps doctors can take during the birth and to natural protection provided by the mothers.
Lowering the Baby's Risk
If a woman has herpes and goes into labor, her doctor should do a thorough visual exam for signs of an active infection in the mother. If no signs are evident, a normal vaginal delivery can take place. If the doctor detects a herpes outbreak, a Cesarean section is needed to protect the baby from contracting the virus in the birth canal. Another thing that lowers risk is the mother's immune system. Mothers with long-standing herpes infections have herpes antibodies in their immune system that they pass on to their babies through the placenta. According to the ASHA, the antibodies help protect the baby even if herpes is active in the birth canal.
What Increases a Baby's Risk for Herpes?
A woman who is first infected with herpes during her third trimester of pregnancy puts her baby at higher risk for getting herpes. This is because the mother's immune system has not had time to build antibodies for the disease. According to Dr. Wang, in cases of a new herpes infection in the mother, the risk is 50 percent for transmission to the baby. But only 17 to 20 percent of babies end up developing the disease. Babies can also get herpes after birth. These infections are usually from a kiss by an adult who has a cold sore. Cold sores contain a type of herpes virus. Don't let anyone with a cold sore kiss your baby. You should also wash your hands before handling your baby if you have a cold sore.
Symptoms of Herpes in Babies
If the baby contracts herpes, symptoms start showing two to three weeks after delivery. Seventy percent of babies with herpes get a rash. Other symptoms include lack of appetite, fever and crankiness. If your baby has these symptoms, take him to the doctor right away. Your baby's pediatrician can give the baby medicine that can prevent or reduce lasting damage. If not treated, herpes in newborns can result in nervous system damage, mental retardation or even death. The mortality rate for untreated herpes infections among newborns is 65 percent.
