Herpes in pregnancy. What about herpes on the lip or nose

Can herpes endanger the baby in the womb? What are the symptoms of individual diseases and how to fight them? We will answer these questions and what is behind the cold sore and how to shorten its treatment in the article.

There is no herpes like herpes

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy is first reported by unpleasant burning, tension or itching on the lips, the characteristic blisters appear only later. Genital herpes is also manifested by blisters or ulcers occurring around or inside the vagina, urethra and anus. Which of them is more dangerous during pregnancy?

Herpes on the lips

Herpes can be transmitted by droplet infection or direct contact, the virus persists in the body throughout life. This type of herpes usually appears in childhood (around the age of three) and a large part of children will overcome the infection without knowing that one has occurred. Along the nerve endings, the virus reaches clusters of neurons, where it "sleeps". When the infection awakens, it manifests itself as blisters around the mouth, nose or other part of the face. It is usually caused by stress, hormonal changes, infections or weakened immunity (most often you will encounter herpes on the face during pregnancy in transitional periods, i.e. with more significant changes in temperature). As long as it is not associated with other diseases, the body usually deals with the virus within a few days and puts it into a dormant state.

Genital herpes

It is a sexually transmitted viral disease, transmitted by sexual intercourse, skin contact with the affected area, but also by objects during intercourse. It is manifested by burning, painful red blisters on the genitals, urethra or anal opening, vaginal discharge. Manifestations also include general fatigue and flu-like feelings, sometimes there is pain when urinating. Even in this case, the virus remains in the body, after overcoming the infection, it is stored in nerve cells and temporarily remains inactive. The body gradually creates antibodies against the disease, the symptoms are most pronounced and most dangerous for a pregnant woman at the first manifestation of the disease, then they are milder. If you had genital herpes before pregnancy, your body should be able to fight herpes and protect you and the baby when the disease appears again. Pregnant women with genital herpes must be monitored, doctors often choose treatment with acyclovir and cesarean delivery.

Herpes zoster

Shingles (Herpes zoster) is caused by a herpes virus called varicella zoster. It is a result of sheeppox. As with the already mentioned types of herpes, in this case too, after the disease (chickenpox), it "withdraws" and when the viral particles are reactivated, they migrate along the fibers back into the skin and appear as painful blisters on the skin. Unless the mother-to-be has proven inferiority of the immune system, in which the virus can spread throughout the body if treatment is not received, this disease should not be risky for the pregnant woman or the unborn child if treated early.

Herpes in pregnancy

Increased health care is often a matter of course for expectant mothers. But what to do if herpes appears during pregnancy? If a woman has already overcome oral herpes in the past, there is no cause for concern during pregnancy. A pregnant woman's immunity is slightly weakened, yet her body produces antibodies very quickly and prevents the infection from being passed on to the baby. Herpes in the nose or on the face during pregnancy can be a symptom of pregnancy. It is important to limit stress, allow yourself to rest and perform only pleasant activities. The use of antivirals should be limited during pregnancy, as they may have harmful effects on the development of the baby. Freely available patches should also be used sparingly, and the gynecologist must be informed of their condition.

It is worse if herpes on the lip appears for the first time only during pregnancy, because it can be manifested by high temperatures, fatigue and weakness. Blisters can occur on the lips and nose, which can make eating uncomfortable. In this case, especially high temperatures are dangerous for the child, which can endanger its development. Herpes must be dealt with as soon as possible, it is necessary to contact a doctor to suggest the best treatment.

Caution should also be observed with genital herpes. The worst are fresh lesions and cold sores that appear for the first time in pregnancy. It is a risk during the entire pregnancy, despite the fact that in the later months the fetal membranes prevent the infection from passing to the fetus, and the mother's immunity usually handles the virus without any major problems. It is necessary to pay extra attention to intimate hygiene and to avoid sexual intercourse, because if there are cracks, the course of the infection may worsen. If blisters are present during childbirth, the baby is most at risk. This is because he does not yet have a well-developed immunity and the disease can go into a whole-body form without him. For this reason, cesarean section is often preferred for active genital herpes.

The occurrence of shingles during pregnancy is very rare, but it is not excluded. Even during the worst period of infection, if the woman suffered from the disease before pregnancy, there is no greater danger to the mother-to-be or the child. The body quickly produces antibodies that pass through the placenta into the baby's bloodstream. The procedure is similar to genital herpes, it is possible to use acyclovir, which prevents the transmission of the virus, the drug is safe during pregnancy.

What about herpes in pregnancy

Expectant mothers often ask how to treat herpes during pregnancy. It depends on the type of herpes, most often a cold sore appears on the mouth. In this case, it is advisable to apply over-the-counter creams with a virostatic effect in time (Herpesin and Zovirax are popular), or reach for a cold sore patch (Compeet or Fixaplast), always consult a doctor about their use, who will weigh all the pros and cons and recommend the most suitable product for you. For example if you use the cream several times a day, you can shorten the healing of herpes by up to a third. It is necessary to pay attention to increased hand hygiene, do not kiss and use your own cup, so that the disease is not transmitted to another family member. Increased hygiene also applies to genital and shingles, sexual intercourse and contact with the skin should be avoided. The drug acyclovir is used to suppress herpes.

Herpes in pregnancy - experience

Expectant mothers have extensive experience with herpes during pregnancy. Most often it was herpes on the mouth or nose, less often it was genital herpes or shingles. For herpes on the mouth, women recommend increasing the doses of B-complex and magnesium, drying the herpes with iodine tincture, but also the use of commonly available products from the pharmacy. They draw attention to hygiene, because you can inadvertently transfer the virus "downstairs". Care should be taken if herpes appears during pregnancy for the first time, then a doctor should be contacted. For genital herpes, women were often given acyclovir (Zovirax tablets) to prevent herpes during childbirth. Several women also shared their experiences with shingles during pregnancy, according to the discussants, shingles can cause clefts in the child, so treatment should not be underestimated.

The most frequent questions - FAQ

Herpes in pregnancy is a discussed topic, it very often appears during pregnancy due to the weakened immunity of the expectant mother. It is not always dangerous, but the disease should not be underestimated under any circumstances, and if herpes occurs once, you should treat it. Did you encounter this disease during your pregnancy? What type of cold sore did you get and how did you treat it? We will be happy if you join the discussion and share your questions, advice and tips on how to deal with the disease.

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