Vaginal herpes in pregnancy
There are two types of herpes: cold sores or herpes simplex type 1, which mainly affects the area of the face and lips, and genital herpes or herpes simplex type 2. The infection Herpes virus can be transmitted to the baby through the blood or during labor, when it passes through the mother's vagi
There are two types of herpes: cold sores or herpes simplex type 1, which mainly affects the area of the face and lips, and genital herpes or herpes simplex type 2.
The infection Herpes virus can be transmitted to the baby through the blood or during labor, when it passes through the mother's vagina. We explain what it is and the dangers it carries for the baby.
Symptoms of vaginal herpes in pregnant women
Vaginal herpes is Herpes simplex type 2. It is related to sexually transmitted diseases, affects the genitals and is very painful. If a woman has an outbreak during delivery or even after 32 weeks, she can infect her baby.
In addition, it has been seen that spontaneous abortion is very high in case of infected women, if the infection is acquired within the first 20 weeks.
The symptoms of this type of herpes are:
- This herpes, which usually manifests during puberty or at the beginning of sexual activity, is characterized by irritation and redness of the genitals que, which last about two days, when the infection.-
Small painful ulcers about 3-5 mm in diameter, and a white base on the skin, which usually disappear after about four weeks. También - There is also the thickening of the lymph nodes of the groins
which, on occasion, is accompanied by a few tenths of fever. - The lesions caused by herpes disappear in a few weeks
. However, after suffering a first infection, the virus remains in the body, settling in the roots of the nerves, around the sacral bone. Therefore, it is normal to reappear every so often. - When new episodes occur, the symptoms are less visible and annoying.Vaginal herpes infection to the baby
- Through the birth canal (more frequent):
The vesicles found in the vagina or in the cervix infect the child when it passes through the birth canal. This risk is much greater when the pregnant woman has contracted the virus for the first time near the due date.
- If the woman has already had a herpes infection before pregnancy, or has a relapse near the time of delivery, the chances of catching the baby are reduced to three percent. -
Through the placenta:
It is usually quite rare, since it develops a protective role against many organisms harmful to the fetus. Infestations of the fetus are also rare in the case of rupture of the amniotic sac. Prevention and treatment of vaginal herpes in the motherIf the woman has presented genital herpes before pregnancy, she must undergo gynecological controls to rule out injuries near the probable date of delivery, as well as serological (blood) controls to detect if is infected
At the time of delivery, if there is active infection the gynecologist will determine the way of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section), depending on the viral load, the mother's immune system ...
Retroviral
can be administered,
to combat virulence, decrease the risk of transmission and accelerate the healing of injuries.
