Herpes infections are only rarely passed on to babies during childbirth. If a woman already had herpes viruses inside her body at the start of pregnancy, theres no reason why she shouldnt give birth naturally – unless there are signs of an outbreak shortly before she goes into labor.

Does HSV 1 affect pregnancy?

What happens if I get cold sores or genital herpes during pregnancy? Having the HSV virus does not affect your chance of becoming pregnant. It is quite common for women to have a cold sore during their pregnancy, even if they havent had one for a long time. Cold sores should not affect your unborn baby.

Can you have a healthy baby with HSV 1?

The answer to both questions is “yes,” but youll need to take some precautions. Women with genital herpes can have healthy children. If you have genital herpes, precautions can help prevent your baby from getting the virus.

Can you be born with HSV 1?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes birth-acquired herpes. The highest risk for birth-acquired herpes is during a mothers first, or primary, infection. After someone recovers from herpes, the virus lies dormant in their body for long periods before it flares up and symptoms appear or reappear.

Can you kiss your baby if you have HSV-1?

A baby is most at risk of getting a herpes infection in the first 4 weeks after birth. You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Cold sores and other blisters caused by the herpes virus are at their most contagious when they burst.

What do I do if I have HSV-1?

Treatment. Antivirals, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are the most effective medications available for people infected with HSV. These can help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, but cannot cure the infection.