Delivering w/ HPV?

Question

Ok so I have HPV and am just starting my 9th month. I was fine up until this month when I had my first outbreak ever. Now I am really worried about delivering vaginally. My doc says it will be fine. But I am worried about transferring the virus to my baby! I feel like she (my doc) just can't be bothered with this. (She is a low income doc) I told her even though it is my first baby I have no problem having a cesaerean. She says no. I asked her "Can I do anything about the warts before I deliver?" (Like medicine, freezing, etc.) She says no. Even though she says I can deliver vaginally I am scared. It's not like I can change doctors. I deliver next month. Am I worrying needlessly?

Answer 1

It is rare for a mother to pass HPV to her child during vaginal delivery, and your doctor may feel the risk of viral infection is lower than the risk to your baby from a caesarian section. There are several grades of HPV infection, and depending on what grade you have and where your warts are located in relationship to the vaginal canal, the doctor may feel the risk of surgery outweighs the risk of transmitting HPV. A caesarian section is still major abdominal surgery, and you risk a healthy infant and an otherwise healthy mother, so it's not an option to consider lightly. While it may seem like the doctor is taking your concerns lightly, she may also be cautious in your favor. Too many OB's are quick to opt for c-section as it is more convenient to them and takes less of their time and effort. So at least your doctor isn't jumping at the chance to make life easier for herself in that regard.
Your baby's eyes will be treated at birth with drops or ointment to kill any bacterial infection. Since they know you have HPV, they can also take the precautions to help prevent infection of the baby as well. The baby will not be taking a breath until birth, and they will wipe the face as the baby is being born so it doesn't suck in anything anyway.
It is not possible to tell any expectant mother not to worry about the health and welfare of her baby. Your concern is normal and natural, and I would be more worried if you weren't concerned at least a bit. But honestly, the risk of passing the HPV to your baby at birth is much less than the risks of the c-section for the both of you. So try to relax as much as you can, and get some sleep while you can. The day approaches when you will have a new bundle of worries to think about, and HPV will be the least of it. Congratulations on the new addition and I hope it all goes well with you and yours.

Answer 2

No, you have every right to worry, and I'm glad you see the need to be concerned. HPV is a virus and the virus can shed (be passed on) to whoever it comes in contact with. Think about how YOU got it. Call around to the health department, hospital ob/gyn unit, even other Drs. offices and ask for an RN to answer some health questions for you. Then tell her your concerns, but do not mention your Dr.'s name. There are ethics involved here and the nurse may not be willing to talk if she works with that Dr. Also you can go online to webmd.com and find the OB link and possibly find your answer there. Oh, yes, just because you have to have low income health care does not mean you have to accept low quality treatment. You have the legal right to speak up and voice your concerns. Speak up for your and your baby's rights, appropriately, that is.

Answer 3

I have a friend that delivered w warts- and baby is fine- ask your md what the risks are- they do put silver nitrate- (or similar med) in babies eyes to prevent infection- that is what they used in the hospital I worked in -in Andrews, Tx- hopefully they still do- take care- D

Answer 4

Your fears are valid.

Best to deliver your baby via cesarean section.