A woman who contracts genital herpes during the third trimester of pregnancy is at a higher risk of passing herpes to the baby because she has not had time to build up antibodies to the virus. Most mothers with genital herpes have normal vaginal deliveries. The doctor should do a thorough visual exam at the onset of labor. If a woman has symptoms at the time of delivery, a Caesarean section is recommended. If an infant does contract herpes during delivery, the symptoms tend to show within two to three weeks after birth.
Herpes can be life threatening to an infant.
Medication may help prevent or reduce the lasting damage to an infant if treated early. Be examined at labor to see if there are any symptoms. Notify the doctor if you think you have symptoms during labor. Using condoms for sexual activity and not having sex while symptoms are present will reduce the risk of transmission. Call the National Herpes Hotline.