Is it okay to try to have a baby with your partner if both of you have genital herpes?

Answer 1

Of course it is okay! Millions of people have genital herpes and they have perfectly fine, beautiful babies!

Genital herpes is VERY RARELY spread by birth. In fact, less than 0.1% of babies born in the United States each year get neonatal herpes. If a woman with genital herpes is having an outbreak at the time of delivery, she'll more than likely have a C-section delivery to prevent the baby from contracting the virus. If the woman is NOT having an outbreak then it is perfectly fine to have a normal vaginal birth. Of course it's always important to talk to your doctor about this when the time comes.

Babies are most at risk for neonatal herpes if the mother contracts genital herpes late in pregnancy. This is because a newly infected mother does not have antibodies against the virus, so there is no natural protection for the baby during birth. In addition, a new herpes infection is frequently active, so there is an increased possibility the virus will be present in the birth canal during delivery.

Women who acquire genital herpes before they become pregnant have a very low risk of transmitting the virus to their babies. This is because their immune systems make antibodies that are temporarily passed to the baby through the placenta. Even if herpes is active in the birth canal during delivery, the antibodies help protect the baby. In addition, if a mother knows she has genital herpes, her doctor or midwife can take steps to protect the baby.

I've had genital herpes for 6+ years and I'm planning on having a vaginal birth when I become pregnant, unless of course I'm having an outbreak at the time of delivery.

Take care and good luck to you!

Check out the link below for more information:
http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_pregnancy.cfm

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

yes you can have a baby but you will probably have to deliver by CS o decrease risk of transmission to baby. Talk to your gynae first as you may have to get checked out before.