Fact 6: Neonatal Herpes is a Concern for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy, with its myriad changes and challenges, becomes even more complex when HSV is added to the mix. A significant concern that arises is the potential transmission of the virus to the baby, resulting in neonatal herpes—a condition that’s rare but can be severe.
Mothers who contract herpes for the first time in the latter stages of pregnancy pose the highest risk to their newborns. Why? When the infection is recent, the body hasn’t had enough time to produce protective antibodies to counter the virus. Without these antibodies, there’s a higher likelihood of transmission during vaginal delivery.
However, women with a history of herpes before pregnancy have a silver lining. Their bodies, already equipped with antibodies, can pass these protective agents to the baby in utero. This natural defense mechanism significantly reduces the risk of neonatal herpes, even during recurrent outbreaks.
Regular prenatal check-ups are crucial in this scenario. Obstetricians will closely monitor for signs of outbreaks, especially as the due date approaches. In situations where active herpes sores or prodromal symptoms are detected close to labor, a cesarean section might be recommended to minimize the baby’s exposure. (6)
