Vaginal Herpes

While a mother’s recurrent outbreaks are not detrimental to the fetus, there are still plenty of risks present throughout the pregnancy. It is a different story however, if the mother has her first outbreak of vaginal herpes during her trimesters. This is the main way in which an unborn baby can contract the virus since it is spread from the mother. When that type of thing happens, the babies will develop a special form of herpes known as Neonatal HSV. There are a number of issues brought on by Neonatal HSV and most of them are incurable. The most dangerous time to have an outbreak will be during the third trimester.

So while a baby can contract the virus before and even after this time, the third trimester is the period in which it can cause the most damage to the fetus. Neonatal HSV (or Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus) can result in skin disease, LCNS (localized central nervous system) disease, mouth disease, the growth of multiple organs, irritability, fever, eye disease, little to no appetite, and lethargy. Those are simple side effects however when compared to the virus’s more drastic complications like premature birth, seizures, psychomotor retardation, spasticity, loss of sight, learning disabilities, and death. The good news is that there are methods that can be followed to help reduce the risk of infection.

Having a c-section is one option as it cancels out the opportunity for the baby to come into contact with any contagious sores in or around the vaginal canal. If you are pregnant and you do not have any history of HSV type 1 or HSV type 2 then it would probably be wise to get some counseling to help determine the best ways to avoid infection so that you will not have to go the route of having a c-section if you do not have to. Whether you have had it before or not, the same may not be the same for your partner which is why a medical history of both parents should be acquired during that first prenatal visit. If, to her knowledge, the mother has no history of vaginal herpes (or any other form of herpes) and her partner does, then either condoms should be used or any further sexual encounters should be put on hold completely. 

Acyclovir is a common anti-viral drug that many women can take during a pregnancy. This form of treatment is especially useful during the third trimester, especially if the mother has a history of vaginal herpes and has frequent outbreaks. Should the virus be active directly before or during the birth and c-section is not an option for whatever reason, then it is a good idea to take Acyclovir to help reduce the chances of having the virus spread to the baby. If your baby is exposed to HSV despite all of your efforts then doctors are required to monitor them closely for signs of infection from either HSV type 1 or HSV type 2. Also, be aware that there are treatments that are more natural that are available should you be hesitant about exposing your baby to the stronger types of medications used for vaginal herpes. Though if your doctor thinks such medicines are necessary it would be in both you and the baby’s best interest to follow their advice. Some of these alternative treatments include:

• Echinacea and burdock root tea
• Multi-mineral and vitamin supplements
• Chamomile herbal tea
• Jatamamsi herbal tea
• Ayurvedic herbal tea
• Aloe vera gel-topical
• Kama dudha in dairy cream-topical
• Kama dudha herbal remedy
• Maha sudarshan herbal remedy
• Neem ayurvedic herbal remedy
• Triphala tea
• Triphala supplement
• Tikta ghrita topical
• Natrum muriaticum, Sepia, Dulcamara, and petroleum homeopathic remedy (all of which should be taken by mouth)
• Salba seeds and salba seed oil

To ease some of the pain of the sores, try to keep them clean and dry. Ice packs can help reduce some of the pain as well as cold tea bag compresses. You can also try drying the sores out by putting baking soda sitz in your bathwater. Combining some of these natural remedies with any of your other medication could also be dangerous so be sure to consult your doctor before trying any of them.