Herpes Outbreak After Vaginal Delivery

carissali

Hi Ladies,

This is pretty personal, but I'm just kinda worried. I got genital herpes from DH's cold sores, and have had it for years.  I don't think I've ever had an outbreak down there (not 100% certain >.<), but have had plenty of cold sores over the years.

My OB put me on Valtrex starting at 36 weeks as a preventative measure.  I delivered my DS at 37 weeks 6 days (bless the LO!).  I got a few stitches from a 2nd degree tear and had a little bit of the burning/itching/pain down there so I thought it's probably the stitches causing it.  However, I looked down there with a mirror and noticed some sores that MAY be an genital herpes outbreak... Do you think my baby could've gotten it while I delivered??  I'm so scared!!  Anyone have any experience or knowledge on this?

Thank you! 

Jessimurph

I don't have any experience with this, but I would certainly be worried. I'd call my OB after hours number and my pediatrician on monday.

Cleo29

Does it look like a red, open sore?  I had one after my stitches and it was not herpes, just something that can happen. 

MotherMonster

Honestly you need to be calling your doctor. And they should have put you on Acyclovir for the herpes (regardless of what it is) because it greatly reduces the outbreaks.

I would say if you had it before delivery, with all the checks and such, they would have told you and you would have had a c-section. However, if it was me, I'd be calling the on call doctor and asking. 

Melzig76

I don't have any experience with GH, but I know that the virus will thrive when your immune system, or body seems stressed.  Guaranteed anything I have a nasty cold with a fever or am very stressed I will get a cold sore.  Ask your OB and they will give you an rx, but you may also be able to take Lysine as preventive (idk if you can while nursing, but you can't while pg).

karleegirl

She was already taking valtrex which is one of the best anti-viral's for this.Lysine and acyclovir are not the answer.

Op even on the preventative dose you can still have a flare up. Call your Dr. Your LO is probably fine but if you did have an outbreak LO can be affected.

hcapes9

The only possible way for your child to have gotten it is if you were shedding or had an outbreak at delivery and you would know if you had an outbreak or were getting ready to. In that case your ob most likely would have done a c section to not pass it on. It is very likely that the stress of being a new mom and getting the ropes of it is causing the outbreak. I am on Valtrex for mine despite not having aN outbreak since last year. I tend to get them when I am stressed or not eating right. Try to relax and as long as your child is having no symptoms, you should be good.Oh, and Herpes cannot be tested by blood. Only an open lesion can be tested. That is how so many people live with it and never know it.

mhollidayesq

I don't know much about it, but I recall reading that if you had Herpes for years prior to becoming pregnant chances are that your LO will have developed an immunity to it in utero.  I also read that as long as you advise your OB of your prior history with it, they will check you to make sure you are not having an outbreak prior to a vaginal delivery.  I also think if anything had been passed on to your LO you might know it by now (but also not sure).  I wouldnt worry too much, but I would call your OB and Pediatrician to alert them to your outbreak, just in case there are some tests they can give your LO.

Hope it all turns out OK.