Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Pregnancy and genital herpes

Newborns rarely become infected with herpes. However, half of those who become infected either die or suffer neurologic damage. With early detection and therapy, many serious complications can be lessened. The newborn's chances of infection depend on whether the mother is having a recurrent or a first outbreak.

If the mother is having her first outbreak at the time of a vaginal birth, the baby's risk of infection is approximately one in three.

If the outbreak is a recurrence, the baby's risk is very low. Because of the danger of infection to the baby, however, the physician will perform a cesarean section if herpes lesions are detected in or near the birth canal during labor.

Some physicians also perform a viral culture at the time of delivery to detect shedding in women known to have had genital herpes outbreaks in the past.

A baby born with herpes can develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), severe rashes, and eye problems. Acyclovir can greatly improve the outcome for babies with neonatal herpes, particularly if they receive immediate treatment.