Genital Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy – Increases Autism Risk

It is crucial to treat Genital Herpes Simplex Virus infection during pregnancy. The first pregnancy may increase the risk of transmission to the newborn. Genital Herpes Simplex Virus during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in newborns.

Fortunately, women with Genital Herpes Simplex Virus rarely pass it on to their babies. If you knew you had Genital Herpes Simplex Virus before becoming pregnant, your doctor will monitor you for your condition throughout your pregnancy. If you have an active flare during labor, a C-section may be recommended. However, depending on the individual diagnosis, gynecologists advocate suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of cesarean deliveries.

Pregnant Women with Genital Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Pregnant women with Genital Herpes Simplex Virus lesions who have demonstrated the first infection in the past will circulate IgG, which can cross the placenta to the fetus. It is very rare for a fetus to become infected with the Genital Herpes Simplex Virus. If genital skin lesions develop during delivery, the risk of infection to the baby is 2-5%.

Conversely, women who periodically reactivate the Herpes Simplex Virus and are asymptomatic at birth have a lower risk (1%) of shedding the virus through vaginal secretions, and thus a lower risk of fetal infection (0.02-0.05%).

Randomized studies have shown that the administration of antiviral drugs starting at the 36th week of gestation reduces the risk of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus transmission without clinically visible lesions and the risk of viral reactivation while reducing the rate of cesarean delivery.

Treatment of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus

Treatment consists of acyclovir 400 mg tablet 3 times a day or acyclovir 200 mg tablet 4 times a day from the 36th week of gestation until delivery. Therefore, viral screening of cervicovaginal secretions is required from the 36th week of gestation. More recent studies also suggest the use of valacyclovir at a dose of 200 mg twice daily.

If there are no clinical herpetic lesions but positive viral cultures at delivery, cesarean delivery is recommended. Conversely, spontaneous labor is indicated if all viral cultures are negative and no clinical lesions are present.

Finally, if labor begins with clinical Genital Herpes Simplex Virus lesions, fetal lung maturity can be assumed, and cesarean delivery should be performed as soon as possible, within 4 to 6 hours after membrane rupture.

Therapy for Genital Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnancy

Pregnant women with a first clinical episode or relapse of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus can be treated with recommended doses of acyclovir or valacyclovir. Because acyclovir and valacyclovir are not officially approved for the treatment of pregnant women, patients should be advised to give informed consent before administration. However, these treatments did not increase the incidence of fetal malformations, although long-term outcomes have not been assessed.

Treatment with acyclovir and valacyclovir from 36 weeks of gestation until delivery reduces the frequency of clinical manifestations, vertical transmission, and viral elimination during delivery by reducing the cesarean section rate.

Conclusions

Genital Herpes Simplex Virus is a preventable chronic disease. Although most HSV infections are subclinical, clinical diseases may be associated with severe physical and psychosocial morbidity. The clinical presentation is variable; therefore, a suspected diagnosis of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus should be confirmed by laboratory testing. Treatment of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus should be individualized and include counseling about the various natural manifestations of the lesions, education to prevent transmission, the link between HSV and HIV, and discussions to assess the psychosexual impact of the disease. Antiviral therapy is safe and effective for both intermittent and chronic suppression of HSV.

A significant amount of data on the transmission of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus from male to pregnant partner, on the mode of transmission from mother to newborn, typically through maternal first-time infection in the third trimester of pregnancy, has been published in the literature.

Given the growing incidence of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus infection and an apparent increase in the incidence of neonatal herpes, we have focused on preventing maternal-fetal transmission and managing infected pregnant females and neonates. Further research is needed to monitor changing HSV-1 and HSV-2 trends and to develop effective strategies to prevent Genital Herpes Simplex Virus infection. Finally, the main vaccine strategies under development should consider the three critical aspects of herpes viruses: viral latency, immune escape, and high seroprevalence.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) For Genital Herpes Simplex Virus

Q. Is Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Dangerous for Newborn Babies?

This can occur two to 12 days after HSV exposure. If any of these occur, notify your health practitioner immediately. Newborns can become very sick quickly with a high fever and seizures and may also become lethargic (floppy). Genital Herpes Simplex Virus infection in newborns can be very severe and can even cause death. Also, it increases the risk of autism in newborns.

Q. Can Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Affect Pregnancy?

For most people, having Genital Herpes Simplex Virus during pregnancy does not affect their pregnancy or the fetus’s health. However, when a pregnant person has a herpes outbreak shortly before birth, it increases the risk of passing it on to the baby, which can be life-threatening.

Q. How Do You Treat Genital Herpes Simplex Virus When Pregnant?

During pregnancy, no medication should be taken without consulting a doctor. If you are suffering from Genital Herpes Simplex Virus, the herpes cure website will help you, they treat herpes without medicine, and you will get relief within 3 days.

Q. Can a Baby Get Genital Herpes Simplex Virus in the Womb?

Newborns can become infected with the Genital Herpes Simplex Virus during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or after birth. Infants may acquire congenital herpes from a mother with an active, possibly apparent herpes infection at the time of birth.

Q. Is Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Considered High-Risk During Pregnancy?

The risk is extremely small, but Genital Herpes Simplex Virus in pregnancy increases the risk of autism. If a woman with Genital Herpes Simplex Virus has the virus present in the birth canal during delivery, it can be spread to the infant, causing neonatal herpes, a serious and sometimes fatal condition.