Developing herpes for the first time in pregnancy (primary infection) is not dangerous for you but can be to the baby. But before you assume this is herpes, you should go to your Obstetrician or Genito-Urinary clinic for an expert opinion. If it is herpes, as you have no prior immunity to the virus, it can multiply and spread in your body and the baby''s before your immune system gets in control of the situation. Many doctors would advocate Caesarean Section when you come to deliver the baby, to lessen the risk of direct viral spread from your vagina to the baby; this of course cannot prevent spread via your bloodstream and placenta to the baby. To reduce the risk of infection and the potentially very serious encephalitis (brain infection), once the baby may be given specific antiviral drugs once delivered. |