hard to handle

[brenda]

I was pregnant in my 30th week when i first found out. My doctor just told me with no emotion. that my blood work he order for me showed that i test positive for type 1 herpes. I do not recall any obs of any sort. I feel that any female problem could be a sign of infection but whos to know. I can remember having uti and also having yeast infections all common female problems. Nothing out of the ordinary. Hooow am i top know where the infection lies. I am scared to kiss my children or my baby.I also had to endure the possible trama of wa tching my new born for possible exposure to the disease do to vaginal delivery. I never had a cold sore outside my mouth but have had sores inside. You know typical what i call lie bumps on tongue. I just assume i have it in both places for now. I guess i would never really figure it out. Because i dont get typical blisters or sores.

[Christy C]

If I were you I wouldn't worry because you're in an enviable possition to have such a strong immune system not to have outbreaks. You must be in great health. I wish you'd come here before you had ahd your baby you would have woried less. I also had two vaginal births. My sons play all the time under my skirts and ..... I think people can get to scared about herpes. If you're not having an outbreak or feeling ill at ease, or itchy or sore, for the love of your baby kiss him. You'll have far worse problem later if you don't. Lke an emtionally handicapped child. Any way if you really want a trick to ensure you dont ever get outbreaks, visit my site and read the articles Outbreak Free and Proud to Be and Stay Alkaline Stay Outbreak Free.

www.authorsden.com/christycharles

I know you've already gone through the irth but here's some info for the next time. We kind of get hook on the painful aspect of birthing that's why we're crazy enough to repeat it.

PregnancyWomen with genital herpes can experience a safe pregnancy and normal vaginal childbirth. This is especially so when a women has a diagnosis of genital herpes prior to becoming pregnant. In the situation where the mother already has a history of genital herpes, she will have antibodies circulating in her blood that will protect the baby during pregnancy and delivery.

There are only two situations in which the developing foetus may be at risk:

· a severe first episode during the first trimester (12 weeks) of pregnancy, which can lead to miscarriage. This is very uncommon and a hazard also present with a number of other virus infections, including the flu

· a first episode in the last trimester of pregnancy, as there is a large amount of virus present and insufficient time for the mother to produce antibodies to protect the unborn baby. Transmission of virus to the foetus causes neonatal herpes, a potentially fatal condition. However, neonatal herpes is extremely rare in developed countries. Careful monitoring, judicious use of antiviral therapy and/or Caesarean delivery can reduce the risk to the baby.

Care during pregnancy

It is important that a pregnant woman informs her doctor/obstetrician if either she or her partner has genital herpes. When the male partner has genital herpes and the woman has no evidence of infection, the following may help the woman to avoid acquisition of the virus during pregnancy:

• a blood test to establish if the woman has HSV antibodies
  
• the use of condoms after conception through to birth
  
• the woman's partner taking oral antiviral medication for the duration of the pregnancy to suppress genital herpes outbreaks
  
• if the woman's partner has a history of facial herpes or cold sores, avoiding oral sex for the duration of the pregnancy.

As the last stage of pregnancy approaches, regular checks should be made and the woman and her doctor can discuss the possibility of a Caesarean delivery or the use of antiviral drugs.

Other than this, the pregnant woman should simply observe the normal guidelines for healthy pregnancy as closely as possible. Good nutrition and rest are even more important at this time.

Recurrent genital herpes presents only a minimal risk in pregnancy, though it may interfere with the woman's enjoyment of pregnancy.

Being a parentGenital herpes, in either parent, does not generally affect children and there is little risk of transmission so long as normal hygiene is practised.

Parents should be aware, however, that HSV can be transmitted from cold sores simply by kissing and can cause serious, widespread infection in the newborn. Fortunately, by the time a baby is around six months old, his or her immune system is better able to cope with exposure to the virus. Initial exposure to HSV in babies and young children, after being kissed by someone with a cold sore, can cause gingivostomatitis, an infection of the mouth and gums which goes largely unrecognized and untreated.

[brenda]

Thanks so much for your response. I feel so down about this. I really dont know what to do next. I dont know how long ive had this or even if iv infected anyone. i really dont know how to manage this when i didnt know i had a problem. So every yeast infection or uti infection do i recognize as an outbreak.