Hello.
I'm hoping that you may be able to answer a few questions about HSV 1 and preganancy and HSV 1 and childbirth as I seem to be reading conflicting information on other health advise sites (or none at all for this particular kind of query)
I contracted HSV 1 two years ago from my ex partner after oral sex when he had a cold sore. I had a painful intitial outbreak in the genital area which cleared up within 7 days. I have since had no further outbreaks (although I admit that for the first few months I took Acyclovir at the drop of a hat as I was so paranoid about another outbreak). Even so, once I'd relaxed about the diagnosis ad stopped taking the drugs, I still have been fortunate to not have another bout.
My partner and I have recently been discussing having a baby and I am concerned about the possibility of transmitting an infection to the baby. I'd really welcome your answers to the following questions to help me make a balanced decision about what may be best for me, my partner and the baby that we hope we'll have.
- Can HSV 1 in the genital area be transmitted either during pregnancy or during childbirth?
- If the anser is yes to the above then can you give me any inidcation for how likely this might be to happen?
- What exactly are the risks and effects if HSV 1 was to be contracted during pregnancy or birth?
- Does vaginal delivery carry more risks of infection than a C-Section?
- Will I need to take Acyclovir (even though I have not had recurrent outbreaks) as a precaution during pregnancy in order to either reduce the risk of an outbreak or of transmitting the virus?
- Could childbirth and any damage to the vaginal area that it may cause result in an outbreak or increase the likelihood of me having an outbreak (I have to ask as I needed several stitches after I had my little girl and worry that this may happen again - I did not have HSV 1 then so this was not a concern at that time)?
I hope that you will be able to shed some light on this whole issue for me as I just want to be as informed as possible for the sake of my baby if I am lucky enough to become pregnant again.
Many thanks,
Sally