HERPES SIMPLEX PREGNANCY
- Herpes Simplex is a common transmittable infection, spread through contact of the skin, saliva or genitals,and is highly contagious
- The virus stays in the body for life
- 1in10,000 births globally result in neonatal herpes
- Herpes infections can be life-threatening for newborn babies
- Women should avoid oral and sexual contact with infected individuals
- Consistent and correct use of condoms can help to prevent the spread of genital herpes, although only provides partialprotection
- Aciclovir cream and tablets can be used to relieve symptoms of herpes simplex
- Suppressive antiviral therapy should be offered to women with active recurrent genital herpes at 36 weeks of gestation
- Planned caesarean may occur in effort to reduce neonatal exposure to active genital lesions
- Strict hygiene habits must be maintained if you or anyone in close contact with the baby has herpes simplex
- If the baby is infected they are at risk of neurologic disability such as skin, eye and mouth disease, central nervous system disease or in serious cases even death.
- Baby's can become infected if the mother has genital herpes and has a vaginal birth
- If a baby comes into contact with an infected area within their first 8 weeks of life it may be critical, seek medical advice immedietely
- The risk for neonatal herpes is greatest when a mother acquires the infection for the first time in late pregnancy, as the woman does not have time to develop antibodies that can be passed onto the baby