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Can herpes be a symptom of pregnancy?

During childbearing, a pregnant woman's immune system naturally decreases. This is necessary so that the process of fetal development goes without pathologies, and the mother's body does not reject the foreign particle. For 9 months, the immune system continues to be depressed so that the fetus can grow and develop.

The herpes virus belongs to those types of viruses that can actively manifest themselves during pregnancy, especially at the beginning. It may not affect the baby in any way, but it can cause serious deviations in its development, up to and including death. In principle, quite often it is precisely because of the infection of the mother with herpes in the first trimester that the child is born with impaired hearing, vision, and also has physical abnormalities.

Content

• 1 Herpes as the first sign of pregnancy
  • 1.1 Reasons for relapse
• 2 Symptoms of herpes
• 3 Treatment during the recycling
  • 3.1 Treatment of herpes on lips
  • 3.2 Treatment of genital herpes

  Herpes as the first sign of pregnancy

  Only a gynecologist at the appointment can establish the fact of conception by identifying certain indicators and examining the symptoms. Before a medical appointment, you should pay attention to some changes that occur in the body. In addition to delaying menstruation for several days, a cold, as a sign of pregnancy, can indicate an accomplished event.

  After conception, the mother's body begins to experience a "hormonal storm". By nature, it is laid down in such a way that the systems are “reconfigured” for enhanced functioning. And women experience it differently: some do not feel anything, others suffer from toxicosis, others begin to get sick.

  A common disease of pregnant women is the manifestation of the herpes virus. On the lips or on the genitals, a cold, as a sign of pregnancy, can be dangerous for an unborn baby. Even if before that the dormant virus in the body did not manifest itself in any way, during the onset of pregnancy there is a possibility of an exacerbation of the disease.

  During pregnancy, the fact of primary infection is considered the most dangerous. If a pathogenic agent has just entered the body of a pregnant woman, then the baby may be in serious danger. If the infection occurred earlier, then the mother should already have developed antibodies, and they will protect the fetus all the time it is in the womb and some time after birth. So the secondary and subsequent recurrences of the danger for mother and baby do not carry.

  Symptoms of herpes sometimes appear for the first time during pregnancy. And it almost never passes without a trace for the child.

  
  

  Causes of relapse

  The main reason for virus reactivation is a decrease in immunity. And this applies to every person in whose body there is already HSV, and not just pregnant women.

  Herpes can also manifest itself against the background of the following factors:

  • Physical or moral fatigue.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Effects of certain drugs.
  • Disturbed balance of hormones.
  • Lack of vitamins in the body.
  • Chronic diseases.
  • Experienced stressful situations.
  • Passion for solarium.

  During pregnancy, several stages of the manifestation of the virus are distinguished:

  • Primary - infection occurred during pregnancy.
  • Recurrent - dormant herpes appears on the epidermis or mucous membranes. A blood test shows the presence of antibodies of the virus.
  • Asymptomatic - herpes actively spreads throughout the body of a pregnant woman, without showing symptoms and without harming the mother and child.

  Herpes type HSV-1, which affects the mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips and epidermis, is not inherited from the mother and is not teratogenic.

  The HSV-2 herpes type is rarely recorded alone. It is accompanied by infections such as:

  • Chlamydia.
  • Gonococcus.
  • Mycoplasmas.

  Herpes type HSV-2, which affects the genitals, is more dangerous. Infection occurs, in most cases, through sexual contact. The recurrence of this type of herpes can cause pathology of fetal development.

  If a woman had symptoms of herpes before pregnancy, the risk to the baby will not exceed 5%. If the infection occurred for the first time, then the risk for the child increases to 90%.

  Symptoms of herpes

  Clinical symptoms of herpes activation in a pregnant woman are not much different from the manifestation of the disease in

  another person. And in the same way, all stages go through from reddening of the skin to the healing of sores.

  Symptoms of the disease in a pregnant woman are manifested in the form of rashes:

  • On the surface of the epidermis.
  • On the genital mucosa.
  • In the vagina.
  • On the wall of the uterus.

  The rash looks like blisters filled with fluid. At first they are small, but gradually increase in size. After a while, the vesicles burst, forming ulcers. They, in turn, become covered with a scab, and eventually disappear without a trace.

  How HSV activity affects pregnancy:

  1. Primary infection with type 1 herpes causes intoxication of the whole organism, which is not observed in its secondary manifestations.
  
  
  2. Primary infection for up to 12 weeks (during the formation of the fetus) is dangerous because the virus, spreading throughout the body, risks getting into the placenta and causing a miscarriage. Sometimes the fetus begins to form incorrectly (there may be a congenital deformity) or gets intrauterine pneumonia.
  3. Herpes inside the genitals is often accompanied by a watery vaginal discharge that lasts 5-7 days. The recurrence of herpesvirus infection in some cases is accompanied by symptoms such as: weakness, fever, headaches.

  Genital herpes causes an increase in the size of the inguinal nodes and has great negative consequences for the baby. Approximately 50% of babies born to infected mothers are also infected. If herpes in the genital area manifested itself at the beginning of pregnancy, this can cause a halt in the development of the fetus.

  Gynecologists recommend that women have abortions if they become infected with genital herpes during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In subsequent terms, pregnancy can be saved, even if the symptoms of the virus are excessively active.

  Treatment during pregnancy

  In case of any manifestations of herpes virus infection during any period of pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor. After all, traditional treatment is inappropriate here - there are ointments and tablets that should not be taken by pregnant women. Yes, and folk remedies are not all suitable for a woman.

  The sooner mommy starts to provide herself with qualified help, the more successful the result will be. But you need to understand that herpes on the lips and genitals is treated differently.

  Treatment of herpes on the lips

  
  

  Treatment depends on the duration of pregnancy, the stage of development of the disease, the characteristics of the mother's body, the time of infection. Since many drugs cannot be used during pregnancy, the doctor will find the best option in which the risk to the fetus will be minimal.

  Antivirals must be in topical form only; oral medications are not prescribed or very rarely prescribed. So, the active ingredients of drugs such as Zovirax or Gerpevir are not able to penetrate into the blood and placenta. These drugs, other ointments and gels of this group are applied only to the affected area of ​​the lips.

  At the same time, immunotherapy and vitamin preparations are prescribed to increase immunity and ensure the full development of the fetus. It is recommended to improve your diet, sleep more, walk in the fresh air. Be sure to follow the rules of personal hygiene, and do not try to peel off the crusts from the sore.

  From folk remedies you can use:

  • Aloe leaves (for external use only, it is forbidden for pregnant women to drink the juice of the plant inside) are cut in half and applied to the affected area as a cut. You can do this every 3 hours.
  • Fir oil on a cotton swab can be applied to the bubbles 4 times a day for 10 minutes.
  • Pieces of ice from the freezer applied to the lips will help relieve the symptoms of itching and burning.
  
  

  With timely and correct treatment, the symptoms of herpes disappear within 7 days. After that, it is recommended to do an ultrasound scan, take blood and urine tests.

  Treatment of genital herpes

  In the event of a recurrence, the expectant mother and baby should not be especially afraid. The birth canal is in a closed state, and the rash of bubbles on the walls of the vagina will not harm the fetus.

  In case of primary infection, only a doctor can determine the treatment algorithm based on the analysis of a smear from the surface of the vesicles. At the same time, the woman's sexual partner should be examined, and the treatment should be parallel.

  If a pregnant woman reports being infected with genital herpes, she must be admitted to the maternity ward one month before the expected delivery. To prevent infection of the fetus during childbirth, a caesarean section is most often done. If all the actions of the doctors were performed correctly, then there is a high probability of a healthy baby being born. Otherwise, the child is diagnosed with herpes of the newborn.

  If the illness is mild, the baby will have small rashes that disappear after a while. In the case of a complex course of the disease, brain damage occurs, herpetic encephalitis may develop. The disease is fraught with the appearance of convulsions, inhibition in development, difficulty breathing.

  Prevention

  Personal hygiene should be observed to avoid infection with herpes virus during pregnancy. To prevent the manifestation of relapse, it is necessary to maintain immunity by taking vitamins. At the same time, you should be more attentive to your health, avoid hypothermia and stress.

  To prevent infection or exacerbation of genital herpes:

  • Both partners should be tested for the presence of PPIs before conception is planned.
  • If a man is infected and relapses, sexual intercourse should be avoided or condoms should be used.
  • In the event that a pregnant woman is infected with genital herpes, from the 36th week she must receive prophylactic doses of Acyclovir.
  • Before giving birth, the doctor should examine the pregnant woman for the presence of symptoms of the virus in the genital area.

  Herpes during pregnancy is an unpleasant disease. But if you have the appropriate knowledge and a responsible attitude to your health, a favorable outcome is quite possible.

  
  

  Can herpes be a symptom of pregnancy?

  Contents

  • 1 Features of herpes in a pregnant woman
  • 2 Can herpes be a symptom of pregnancy

  If herpes has appeared, it may be a symptom of pregnancy, many young women are sure. This virus, like its other counterparts, is very tenacious. Scientists have found that it can be in the human body in an inactive state for more than 20 years. After all, it manifests itself only in a weakened body. And if everything is in order with a person’s immunity, then he is able to fight the virus himself.

  Features of herpes in pregnant women

  Herpes, or a cold, as a sign of pregnancy can be considered in the initial stage. When there is a restructuring at the hormonal level for the most comfortable state of the body for the needs of the fetus, this weakens the woman’s body so much that she may develop herpes during pregnancy and “bloom” in all its glory. For this reason, this disease can be considered an indirect sign of pregnancy.

  If a pregnant woman has herpes, then this fact indicates that her body is weakened, and it is necessary to strengthen the immune system. But it is not correct to consider the activity of the virus as a direct sign of nascent life.

  
  The virus can appear in a variety of places on a pregnant woman's body. On the lips and face, its location is not dangerous to either the woman or the fetus that she is carrying. The expectant mother can absolutely not worry about such a virus, her body itself will develop antibodies and destroy it. Moreover, through the bloodstream, these antibodies will be transferred to the fetus itself. And the baby for six months of his life will be provided with immunity to the onset of the disease.

  Symptoms of herpes on the face and lips: before the appearance of watery blisters on the lips, tongue, on the inside of the cheeks and lips, the patient feels itching. After that, a swelling appears in this place, and she still itches. Subsequently, it turns into a bubble.

  After a few days, this vesicle bursts, and an ulcer appears in its place, which will soon become covered with a scab. There are a lot of viruses in the fluid of the burst bubble, so during this period the patient is very contagious.

  But in case of manifestation of the disease in a pregnant woman on the genitals, unpleasant consequences are possible. Especially if genital herpes appears for the first time.

  After all, there are no antibodies in her body that fight this disease, and herpes enters the fetus through the placenta.

  Can herpes be a symptom of pregnancy?0002 If she was infected with it at the initial stages, then it can cause irreparable harm to the child:

  • The occurrence of various pathologies in the development of the fetus.
  • Possible miscarriage.
  • Under the influence of this virus, all kinds of deformities can develop in the fetus.
  • Possible CNS disorders.

  This is due to the fact that the virus freely crosses the placenta and destroys not yet fully formed organs.
  If a pregnant woman becomes infected with it during the second trimester, then the fetus may suffer minimally. Because the formation of his organs has already begun.

  If a woman has symptoms of genital herpes, she should definitely see a doctor. The main cause of this disease in a pregnant woman is the herpes simplex virus type 2. A woman can become infected with it both sexually and by contact. Often a pregnant woman becomes infected with it sexually. Once in the body, the virus remains there forever, because the immune system fights only with its active phase. And if he is in a sleeping state, then his immunity simply does not see him.

  
  

  The onset of symptoms of the virus in the last stages allows doctors to perform a caesarean section on a woman. This avoids infection of the child.
  A major role in preventing the manifestations of the disease is played by its prevention:

  1. It is necessary to strengthen the immune system. You need to do physical education, moderate physical activity has never harmed anyone.
  2. It is mandatory to take tests before pregnancy when planning it.
  3. An important factor in preventing the disease is the rejection of all bad habits. This will be useful for both the mother herself and her unborn child.

  Many can identify herpes during pregnancy on the lips, but not everyone can understand that herpes has appeared on the genitals. The main symptom of this disease is a blistering rash. Bubbles "ripen" in a few days and burst, and in their place small wounds form, which disappear after a few days. But the trouble is not even that it appears, but that herpes manifests itself outwardly in only 30% of those infected. And so that this does not happen, it is very important to plan a pregnancy, and before it occurs, pass all the tests.

  Modern science has not yet found a cure that can completely cure herpes during pregnancy. Treatment is carried out only in order to relieve exacerbation and reduce the number of relapses. To do this, it is necessary to carry out antiviral therapy, this is done with the help of Acyclovir.

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