Genital Herpes During Pregnancy

A pregnant woman with genital herpes can pass the virus to her baby during delivery. If the mother is having her first outbreak at the time of a vaginal birth, the baby's risk of infection is approximately one in three. If the outbreak is a recurrence, the baby's risk is very low. Babies born with herpes may have brain damage, severe rashes, eye problems, or they may die. Doctors will do a c-section to deliver a baby if the mother has herpes near the birth canal. Also, acyclovir can help babies born with herpes if they are treated right away.