Herpes during pregnancy - how dangerous it is and how to treat it. Treatment of herpes during pregnancy Herpes infection in pregnant women

Many of us know firsthand what herpes is. Of course, more than 90% of people on Earth are carriers of this virus. It can quite calmly be present in the body for 5, 10 and 20 years, without making itself felt in any way, because the human body in a normal, healthy state usually suppresses the virus.

But in situations where immunity is reduced, the herpes virus can become more active. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of it, and even the newest drugs can only temporarily suppress its activity - until the next weakening of the immune system: colds, illness, hypothermia, exhaustion. Pregnancy also falls into this list, because herpes during pregnancy often begins to progress even in those who previously had no idea about its presence in the body.

What kind of disease is this? It is caused by herpes viruses type 1 (HSV-1, or herpes labialis) and type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes).

Herpes type 1 causes ulcers around the mouth and lips (blisters, popularly called "colds"), herpes type 2- ulcers in the genital area or rectum, sometimes in other places, but always below the waist. These blisters burst over time, leaving behind painful sores that take a long time to heal: from 2 to 4 weeks (they take the longest to heal in people who have herpes for the first time). Even after the blisters and sores have passed, the virus still remains in the body and can manifest itself at any time - the same bubbles will appear in the same places.

Herpes lips can be transmitted by kissing, through airborne droplets and through household contacts. Genital herpes is transmitted through unprotected sex and is less common, but still every 5th adult is infected with genital herpes, and most people do not even know about it - this type of herpes is often asymptomatic or its symptoms can be mistaken for manifestations of any another disease.

Herpes during pregnancy

As we have already said, very often herpes appears during pregnancy, when a woman’s immunity is significantly reduced. By the way, this happens not because the body “weakens,” but to preserve and bear the fetus, which is essentially a foreign object for the mother’s body and, if the mother’s immune system were working at full strength, it would simply be rejected. Therefore, a decrease in immunity during pregnancy is simply necessary, but from the point of view of exacerbation of herpes, this is a very favorable moment.

If a woman has noticed herpetic rashes on the lips, nose, facial skin or mucous membrane of the genital organs, the doctor will definitely prescribe an additional examination to identify what type of herpes virus has entered her body. Simple herpes is not so terrible, while genital herpes during pregnancy can cause serious complications, which will be discussed later. A test for herpes during pregnancy is either a tissue sample taken from the affected area or, more commonly, a blood test.

Genital herpes during pregnancy

It can be infected both through household means and during childbirth (from mother to child), but most often infection with this type of herpes occurs through unprotected sexual contact. Please also note the fact that herpes is often accompanied by other infectious diseases of the genital tract: chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, therefore, if a genital herpes virus is detected in the body, it is imperative to undergo examination to identify sexually transmitted infections.

What are symptoms of herpes infection during pregnancy?

Be sure to consult a doctor if you notice the following signs:

vaginal discharge - slight, watery, lasting 5-7 days (sometimes in pregnant women this is the only symptom of this pathology);
rashes on the skin of the external genitalia, as well as on the walls of the vagina and the lining of the cervix. These rashes resemble small blisters filled with clear liquid, which burst after 2-3 days, leaving behind ulcers that do not heal for 7-10 days, and sometimes this period reaches 2 weeks;
itching, burning sensation - often appear before the rashes themselves and serve as their harbingers;
muscle pain, headache, general malaise and weakness, increased body temperature to 38-39 degrees.

Clinical picture of herpes simplex during pregnancy

Labial, or herpes simplex, goes through 4 stages of development. On the 1st, itching or discomfort appears in the lips, nose or other parts of the face, general malaise and even fever are possible. Stage 2 – inflammation, characterized by slight swelling and soreness of the lips, expands over time and occupies a larger surface.

At the 3rd stage, herpetic vesicles burst, a clear liquid flows out of them (containing a large number of viral embryos, and therefore very dangerous in terms of infection). In place of the burst bubbles, wounds form. The 4th stage is characterized by the formation of scabs (crusts) at the site of the wounds. If you touch them with your finger, they cause pain and sometimes slight bleeding.

Herpes zoster during pregnancy

The herpes zoster virus (or, as it is also called, shingles), entering the human body, can cause 2 types of illness: for those who encounter it for the first time, this virus causes chickenpox(chicken pox); in those who have had it, the virus remains inside the nerve cells for life and, if reactivated, becomes the cause of herpes zoster. It manifests itself in the form of a herpes rash on the head or body (this can be the neck, back, arm, leg, stomach, chest).

The herpes zoster virus is transmitted through direct contact, contact with the affected areas of the skin of a person suffering from this disease (airborne transmission is possible in principle, but in practice it is very rare). During pregnancy, it is better for a woman not to contact people who have herpes zoster - at least until dry crusts form on all the blisters, because at this stage the risk of infection is significantly reduced.

But if you have already had chickenpox, there is practically no real threat of infection with this type of herpes, because your body already has antibodies to this disease.

If you are exposed to someone with herpes zoster during pregnancy, it is recommended that you visit an infectious disease specialist and get tested to see if you are immune to herpes. If not, the doctor will most likely suggest that you administer antiherpes serum to prevent the development of chickenpox - prevention is better than treatment, especially since there is always a risk of negative effects of the virus on the fetus.

In general, patients with herpes zoster are isolated from children under 1 month of age - their immunity is still too weak to resist infection. However, if we are talking about a mother who became infected with it during childbirth and breastfeeding, limiting her contacts with the baby is not required - he has already acquired immunity to this infection during pregnancy or through breast milk.

Is herpes dangerous during pregnancy?

If a woman and before pregnancy suffered from herpes or was a carrier of this disease, then the child, one might say, is lucky: he is protected by maternal antibodies, so the pregnancy prognosis is quite favorable - the probability of infection of the fetus is only 5-7%. The situation is worse if the expectant mother became infected with herpes during pregnancy (the probability of the baby becoming infected in this case increases to 50-60%). Will the fetus become infected? Here it’s like in Russian roulette: maybe yes, maybe not. If the virus nevertheless enters the baby’s body through the placenta, this can have a rather negative impact on his health and the course of pregnancy.

If herpes enters the child’s body in the early stages of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage. But even in the case of successful gestation, this insidious virus can manifest itself in another area, provoking a wide variety of defects and fetal development defects: visual and hearing impairments, congenital brain defects, damage to the central nervous system, deviations in the physical development of the baby. Therefore, unfortunately, herpes during pregnancy in the early stages becomes an indication for its termination. It makes sense to continue the pregnancy only if the infection occurred after the sixth month of pregnancy, but even in this case everything is not so smooth. If infection with the herpes virus occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, this can cause the birth of a still child or a baby with brain damage.

Genital herpes is much more dangerous during pregnancy– it is this that leads to the most serious complications. However, this is not a death sentence: if shortly before giving birth there was an exacerbation of genital herpes, doctors, in order to avoid infecting the child when passing through the birth canal (and this risk is very high), will most likely offer you.

Some gynecologists and obstetricians still practice delivery without cesarean section, naturally - for this, emergency treatment of herpes during pregnancy is used with the help of special medications. These drugs are quite potent, but if they were prescribed by a doctor, do not worry - the prospect of infection with the herpes virus will bring much more harm to your baby than taking “harmful” drugs.

So, the possible consequences of herpes contracted during pregnancy:

for the fetus - miscarriages, frozen pregnancy, brain damage (microcephaly), congenital developmental anomalies, heart defects, congenital viral pneumonia, premature birth;
for a newborn baby - sudden death of a child after birth, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, deafness; blindness;

Cases of such terrible consequences are quite rare, but the doctor will definitely prescribe a course of treatment for you to eliminate the slightest possibility of any complications.

How to treat herpes during pregnancy

If you noticed rashes of herpetic blisters before pregnancy, be sure to inform your obstetrician-gynecologist about this so that he can pay attention to this negative factor. If during pregnancy you notice a relapse or an exacerbation of this disease, consult a doctor as soon as possible: the sooner the necessary medical measures are taken, the greater the chances of successfully maintaining the pregnancy.

At the beginning of our article, it was already mentioned that there is no universal medicine that could save you from this unpleasant disease once and for all. Therefore, doctors can take measures to suppress the activity of the virus or increase immunity (however, the doctor will be able to determine whether you have an immune deficiency only after diagnosis! In such cases, immunoglobulins are used as treatment, which are not contraindicated for pregnant women - ginseng, eleutherococcus, echinacea, B vitamins).

Treatment of herpes during pregnancy is complicated by the fact that many of the known, quite effective drugs cannot be used during this period. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe you one of the many antiherpetic ointments, which will need to be applied to the affected surface 5 times a day for 7-10 days. It is also sometimes recommended to lubricate rashes with an interferon solution or vitamin E (sold in capsules) - they help speed up the healing of painful ulcers.

U traditional medicine there is also an answer to the question of how to treat herpes during pregnancy - she recommends lubricating the affected area with fir, sea buckthorn or rosehip oil (this therapy lasts 2-3 weeks), chamomile cream, calendula ointment, and also drinking plenty of hot drinks that increase immunity - for example, tea with honey and viburnum. This is not to say that these remedies are useless, but on their own they are ineffective, since they only affect the symptoms of the disease, and not the virus itself. It is better to use them in combination with medications prescribed by a doctor.

Prevention of herpes during pregnancy

There are a number of measures that allow you, although not with a 100% guarantee, to protect yourself from infection with the herpes virus, but, if possible, to prevent it:

strengthening the body’s immune forces is not only taking immunostimulants, but also a healthy lifestyle, proper physical activity, and a balanced diet; hardening;
giving up all bad habits;
a blood test for the herpes virus even before pregnancy, during the planning period of conception.

All these measures are aimed only at strengthening the body’s immune defense and have an indirect, preventive value.

If herpetic rashes torment you quite often, it is recommended to take a course of multivitamins or immunomodulatory drugs before conceiving a child. There is also a special procedure - intravascular irradiation of blood using a laser. True, even this is not capable of killing the virus completely, but its activity will still be suppressed. Many clinics now offer this procedure.

If you are not infected with the herpes virus, be especially careful about sanitary precautions: direct prevention of infection with the herpes virus is avoiding contact with infected people.

Herpes simplex virus in young mothers

If the herpes simplex virus was detected in your body during pregnancy, be prepared for the fact that it will not go away after childbirth. This means that during the period of relapse (when you have a rash on your lip), you need to be especially careful not to infect your newborn. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby.

If blisters appear on the lips, it will be better if you put on a medical mask before picking up your baby. When the bubbles burst, you can discard the bandage. Try not to kiss the child or press your face against him - during the period of exacerbation, herpes should in no way come into contact with the baby’s skin.

Replies

What can sadden the weekdays of a woman who is waiting for a miracle? There is one very unpleasant virus - herpes on the lips during pregnancy.

You probably noticed a change in your well-being and health status while being “in a position.” The thing is that during pregnancy, a woman’s body works a little differently. These changes lead to a decrease in the body's immune defense. Reduced immunity makes it possible to conceive, successfully go through the gestation stage and give birth to a child.

For the body, the embryo is a foreign body; a decrease in immunity is simply necessary, otherwise the miracle will not happen. This is how nature intended it.

Almost 95% of the inhabitants of planet Earth are infected with herpes. But for many, herpes is hidden and waiting in the wings, which, by the way, may never come. At a normal level of the body's immune defense, herpes does not manifest itself in any way. But if the immune system malfunctions, then it is quite possible that herpes will appear on the lips (and not only). Pregnant women are a special risk group.

Causes of herpes on the lips during pregnancy

The main and only reason is the weakened immune system (as you already understand, a decrease in the body’s protective functions simply cannot be avoided). This disease can manifest itself due to the following factors:

Overwork;
Hypothermia;
Bad habits;
Colds (read the article on the topic of ARVI in early pregnancy >>>);
Stress;
Taking medications;
Avitaminosis;
Hormonal changes.

Once a person has had herpes, he remains with this disease forever and is now a carrier of the virus. For a pregnant woman who is already a carrier, the disease during pregnancy is not dangerous (but at least unpleasant).

Herpes can only be transmitted from a person who is a carrier of the virus. And it is transmitted in several ways:

Air-drip;
Domestic;
Personal contact with an infected person;
From mother to child through the birth canal.

Herpes symptoms

Have you noticed strange bubbles on your lip that are accompanied by unpleasant sensations? This is the same herpes.

First, itching appears in the corners of the lips (less often, on the oral mucosa), but you can skip this moment and not react (you never know what can itch?). Bubbles form and burst after a few days.

Important! The fluid coming out of the blisters is infected with a virus; it is important to keep the wound sterile and prevent the spread of herpes to other parts of the body.

After the fluid comes out, the wound dries out and becomes crusty. Depending on the form of herpes, general weakness, joint pain, and increased body temperature may also occur.

Three forms of herpes

Primary – the most dangerous for the fetus, in which there are no antibodies to the virus;
Recurrent – re-infection occurs. Antibodies to the virus have been detected in the body;
Asymptomatic – herpes acts in the body without external manifestations and is safe.

Attention! If signs of herpetic disease appear not only on the face, but also on the woman’s labia, then this threatens to infect the child.

How to treat herpes during pregnancy?

If it so happens that you still see signs of herpes on your lips, don’t panic! Know that proper and timely treatment of herpes minimizes all risks.

Try to start treatment as early as possible, it is better to catch the moment when the skin on the lips begins to itch - this is the first bell;
Herpes on the lips during pregnancy is treated with medication, using antifungal agents, in the form of a cream or ointment;

Know! For example, acyclovir drugs act exclusively locally and do not penetrate the blood and placenta - that’s what you need!

After the bubbles have broken and all the liquid has come out, treatment is carried out with vitamin E, which has a wound-healing effect;
In cases where a pregnant woman’s immunity is severely weakened, it is possible to undergo an immunomodulating course using natural immunomodulators (echinacea, eleutherococcus, ginseng) or vitamin complexes for pregnant women;
Healthy sleep, proper rest and balanced nutrition are also important. Nutrition is discussed in detail in our course Secrets of proper nutrition for an expectant mother >>>.

It is better to exclude simple carbohydrates (sweets) from your diet and add chicken, seafood, vegetables, and fruits, which will help prevent herpes from spreading.

In addition to drug treatment, a woman must strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene:

Wash your hands every time after contact with your face (lips in particular);
Do not peel off the crusts yourself (it’s clear that your hands seem to itch, but you still shouldn’t do this);
It is better to give up cosmetics during the period of exacerbation of infection (for example, you can transfer the virus to lipstick or lip gloss and you will get a vicious circle - more and more new infections).

With proper treatment, herpes goes away in 4-7 days.

Prevention of herpes during pregnancy

If antibodies are detected, you can breathe easy and enjoy your pregnancy. But if not detected, there is a risk of infection of the fetus and the woman simply must take precautions and protect herself from this virus.

To avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy, a woman should:

Avoid contact in every possible way with a person who has rashes characteristic of herpes (the same blisters);
maintain a high level of sexual culture - one sexual partner and preferably using a condom;
Immediately treat areas that may have been exposed to the virus with antiseptic agents;
It is mandatory to have exclusively personal hygiene products;
After traveling on public transport or being in crowded places, be sure to wash your hands.

What to do if herpes appears on the labia?

The so-called “Genital herpes” is an infectious disease caused by the herpes virus, which is characterized by rashes on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and the cervix. It is most often transmitted through sexual contact, and less commonly through household methods.

There are primary herpes (a woman fell ill for the first time in her life):
And secondary (an infection that already lives in the body is activated).

Important! The most dangerous is primary herpes, in which the probability of infection of the fetus is 60%.

Symptoms of genital herpes

They are very similar to the symptoms of ordinary herpes on the lips, only the location has changed:

Swelling and redness of infected areas;
The appearance of rashes;
Unpleasant sensations in the area of the rash;
Temperature increase;
Muscle pain, general weakness;
Vaginal discharge. (One of the unpleasant phenomena during pregnancy can be thrush; read more in the article: Thrush during pregnancy >>>.

Treatment is carried out medicinally with the help of ointments, creams, gels that act exclusively locally (acyclovir, alizorin ointment, oxolinic ointment);
You can use sea buckthorn or rosehip oil - they will not be superfluous (they have a wound-healing and antiseptic effect).

Is herpes dangerous during pregnancy and why?

No matter what trimester of pregnancy a herpes infection occurs, there is a high risk for the child.

The most vulnerable period for the fetus is the 1st trimester of pregnancy. The virus easily penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body. There is a possibility of penetration through the placenta to the fetus (and this is as much as 90% of cases), which is very dangerous. May cause spontaneous abortion;
In the second trimester, the virus is no less dangerous and can increase the risk of miscarriage and congenital abnormalities of the fetus. Causes disruptions in the formation and growth of the fetus. Read about what changes happen to the baby during pregnancy in the article Development of the child in the womb >>>;
In the third trimester, herpes, in severe forms, can cause premature birth (for information on how labor begins, read the article 39th week of pregnancy: harbingers of labor >>>), the child may be stillborn;
During childbirth, herpes can be easily transmitted from mother to child, and through direct contact it penetrates into the tissues of the child’s body.

Know! The causative agent of genital herpes causes mortality in 50% of newborns, and also poses a very high risk of disability for surviving babies.

Recurrent (secondary) herpes is absolutely safe for the fetus, since antibodies in the mother’s blood protect the fetus from infection.

Follow the precautions, get tested and be healthy!

Herpes during pregnancy occurs due to weakened immunity and poses a threat to the fetus in the event of a woman’s primary infection with the virus. When an infectious disease recurs, the risk of infection of the fetus is reduced, since the mother’s immune system protects the child more effectively due to the existing antibodies to the virus, which also penetrate into the baby’s blood. Therefore, in the first months of life, the child is protected from the pathogen, and in case of infection, he adapts to it much more easily, forming his own immune antibodies.

There are several types of herpesvirus, each of which has characteristic symptoms and requires appropriate treatment, especially during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of virus, the rashes are localized in different parts of the body. During pregnancy, herpes simplex appears as a rash on the face or genital area. Shingles blisters form large areas of rash on the body. The blisters are characterized by pain and itching for several days, then they become covered with a bump, burst, and in their place small ulcers with a yellowish coating form, gradually disappearing over 2-3 weeks.

It is also possible to have an internal manifestation of herpes (without signs of rashes) during pregnancy, associated with infection with cytomegalovirus or infectious mononucleosis.

On the genitals

(type 2) is less common and occurs as a result of infection of a woman through sexual contact. Skin rashes may appear on the thighs (inner surface), tailbone, and labia. For most women, this type of virus poses a danger during pregnancy, because due to its rarity, there are no immune bodies in the blood that counteract it.

Interior

Cytomegalovirus does not manifest itself in the body with normal immunity. During pregnancy, when the body's protective properties are reduced, symptoms of the disease similar to ARVI (fever, weakness, headache, etc.) occur. The virus poses the greatest threat in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Causes general malaise, severe chills, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal disorders. During pregnancy, it is dangerous during primary infection, because it can provoke various disorders of intrauterine development of the fetus.

Causes

Primary herpes, which is most dangerous during pregnancy, can occur as a result of a woman's infection from an infected person. Routes of transmission of the virus: airborne or household contact. Genital herpes occurs when a pregnant woman is infected through sexual contact.

The virus can remain in a latent period for a long time, but when factors arise that reduce the body’s protective properties (colds, flu, hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, etc.), it enters the active phase and causes disease.

Hormonal imbalance, severe toxicosis, chronic fatigue and nervous disorders, poor nutrition and lack of sufficient physical activity can increase the body's susceptibility to viruses. All these factors negatively affect the immune system of the mother and unborn child and provoke activation of the virus.

Treatment of herpes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the main direction of treatment is to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease and reduce the risk. During primary infection, therapy is carried out aimed at preventing infection of the unborn child. There is no cure for the herpes virus, so it should be fought with drugs that weaken the influence of the pathogen and strengthen the immune system.

A complicating factor in treating the disease while pregnant is that many antiviral drugs are prohibited for pregnant women. Therefore, self-medication is excluded, and the necessary therapeutic course is carried out under medical supervision after diagnosis.

Diagnostics

The type of disease is determined by identifying antibodies to the infectious pathogen: a blood test is performed for immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG). A positive result for IgM indicates a primary infection or an acute period of a chronic disease. The presence of IgG indicates that herpes has been present in the blood for a long time.

The most reliable method for determining HSV is PCR analysis, which examines material from the cervical canal. The analysis allows you to determine the presence of the virus even at low concentrations.

How to treat

When the first signs of HSV appear, you should use an ointment or gel with an antiviral effect, the use of which is permitted during pregnancy. Among the most popular external remedies are ointments with acyclovir (Acyclovir, Zovirax, Herperax), preparations based on plant extracts (Panavir gel).

Rectal suppositories Viferon and Genferon are also used, approved for the treatment and prevention of relapses of the disease from the middle. These drugs allow you to stimulate the production of antibodies and increase the immune defense of the female body during pregnancy.

Folk remedies

For the safety of the unborn child, you can use alternative medicine methods to treat a viral infection, which will help alleviate the symptoms of the disease. The greatest effect will be obtained by using the following means:

Juice. Squeeze a few drops from the leaves of the plant and apply the moistened swab to the sores for half an hour.
Tinctures of calendula or chamomile decoction, tea leaves. Apply a tampon moistened with a healing infusion several times a day to the affected areas.
A strong solution of salt and soda. Treat the blisters with the solution several times a day.
Fir, sea buckthorn oil or tea tree extract. Treat rashes every 2-3 hours, and after crusts form, wipe the wounds several times a day.

Folk remedies do not have an antiviral effect, but they will help get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease and relieve inflammation.

Prevention

During pregnancy, timely examination for the presence and implementation of the necessary measures to strengthen the body’s protective properties (giving up bad habits, hardening, playing sports, proper balanced nutrition, proper rest) will help to avoid the threat of disease.

In case of relapse of the disease, a set of protective measures is necessary to prevent the activation of the virus: hypothermia and overheating, nervous stress, and excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin should be avoided.

Why is herpes dangerous during pregnancy?

Herpes poses the greatest threat during primary infection during pregnancy. In this case, infection can provoke the development of severe pathologies, including miscarriage and intrauterine fetal death. Frequent exacerbations of the disease can have a negative effect on the placenta, causing oxygen starvation in the fetus. There is a risk of disturbances in the development of the nervous, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems of the unborn child. Often such children are born with weakened immunity and underweight.

When planning

When planning a pregnancy, future parents are recommended to undergo testing for the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus, based on the results of which the doctor will be able to give recommendations on strengthening the immune system and preventing negative consequences.

If there is a positive IgM to herpes of the first two types, pregnancy planning should be postponed to a later date, since this indicates the absence of stable immunity to infection (primary infection or activation of a chronic process) and the need for antiviral treatment.

Before birth

During pregnancy and before childbirth, a woman is periodically examined for the presence of antibodies and, if necessary, receives antiviral and immunostimulating therapy. To avoid relapse of the disease with secondary herpes and the risk of severe fetal malformations, Acyclovir and Valtrex are taken (in consultation with the doctor).

Genital herpes during pregnancy (risk prevention, treatment)

Cytomegalovirus during pregnancy

Herpes and pregnancy

Genital herpes in children and pregnancy

With genital herpes, delivery is possible only by cesarean section in order to minimize the likelihood of infection of the newborn with the virus when passing through the birth canal.

Section 1.01 WHAT IS HERPES?

Herpes- a skin disease of a viral nature, which manifests itself in the form of a rash of small bubbles (vesicles) on the mucous membranes and skin. A person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time, but the manifestation of the disease can be activated by various external factors.

⁣Fig.1 Herpetic rash on the body.

Pregnancy is a condition in which, under the influence of such stimuli, the clinical picture of the disease begins to appear. After all, the factors that activate this type of virus are stress and decreased immunity, which are often found during pregnancy.

Section 1.02

HERPES IN PREGNANCY: STATISTICS AND DRY FIGURES
You can't argue with statistics. Here are just some numbers:

1. every second person on the planet is a carrier of the herpes simplex virus;

2. the risk of intrauterine infection with primary genital herpes is 30-50%, with recurrent - 3-7%;

3.in the early stages, herpes causes spontaneous abortion in 30% of cases; in the third trimester, late miscarriages are observed in 50% of cases;

4. In 40% of newborns, intrauterine infection leads to the development of latent, sluggish carriage with the appearance of dysfunctional disorders at a later age;

5. In women with asymptomatic forms of the disease, sick children are born in 70% of cases. The mortality rate for the group is about 50-70%, only 15% of newborns are healthy.

Section 1.03 HERPES CAUSE

There are several types of herpes virus. The most common are HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus 1), HSV 2. Herpes type 1 causes rashes around the mouth and lips (labial herpes), in the oral cavity (blisters, which are popularly called “colds”), herpes type 2 causes rashes in the genital area, perineum or rectum, always below the waist. These vesicles burst after a few days, leaving behind painful ulcers that heal in 2 to 4 weeks.

Section 1.04 ROUTES OF TRANSMISSION:

1. when kissing (during the rash phase, since it is in the blisters that the virus is contained)

2.airborne

3.household contacts

4.sexual tract

These transmission routes contribute to the primary infection of the pregnant woman. After a single episode of herpes infection, the disease becomes chronic. The virus remains in the body (usually in the ganglia of various nerves).

If you are in a family with herpes, you must use individual utensils and wash your hands more often, since the mechanism of transmission of the virus is quite simple.

Section 1.05 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VIRUS ACTIVATION:

1.lack of vitamins;

2.stress, overwork;

3.excessive physical activity;

4.oncological diseases;

5.pregnancy;

7. long-term use of antibiotics;

8.chemotherapy.

Section 1.06 HERPES ON THE ORAL MUCOSA DURING PREGNANCY.

Symptoms:

1.burning and itching in the mouth;

2.redness and swelling at the site of the lesion;

3.appearance of characteristic rashes;

4.rise in body temperature;

5. malaise;

6. pain when talking, eating;

7. sore throat, difficulty swallowing.

There is a gradual onset of symptoms. First, the general condition worsens and a burning sensation in the mouth appears. The temperature may rise. On the mucous membrane there is redness and blisters filled with clear liquid, the touch of which, eating food and water are painful. A few days later, ulcers covered with a white coating appear in place of the burst vesicles. Gradually, the white coating is replaced by a hard crust, when it falls off, a healthy area remains.

Herpes can appear in any part of the mouth (on the tongue, gums, on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips, on the tonsils); if the virus is reactivated, it will appear in the same place. This is the main difference from stomatitis, which always manifests itself in different places.

⁣Fig.2 Herpetic eruptions on the upper palate.

Section 1.07 GENITAL HERPES

Symptoms:
1.painful blisters that appear in the genital area (on the labia majora and minora, in the vagina, on the cervix).

2. pain and burning in the area of the labia and vagina (increased during sexual intercourse);

3.burning when urinating;

4. vaginal discharge (if there are bubbles in the vagina and on the cervix);

5.enlargement and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the groin;

6.fever, chills, weakness.

Section 1.08 COMPLICATIONS OF HERPETIC INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY:

Why is herpes dangerous during pregnancy?

Herpes can affect the course of pregnancy itself and cause:

1. frozen pregnancy;

2. spontaneous abortion;

3.premature birth;

4.stillbirth.

5.complications for the fetus:

6. heart defects;

7.developmental delay;

8. prolonged jaundice (with liver damage);

9. damage to the central nervous system;

10.hemorrhagic syndrome (external and internal bleeding);

11.blindness;

12.deafness;

13.epilepsy;

14.micro/hydrocephalus;

15.hepatosplenomegaly.

Section 1.09 TREATMENT OF HERPES DURING PREGNANCY
Goals of treatment for herpes during pregnancy:

1. weakening of symptoms, shortening the duration of the acute period;

2.acceleration of recovery processes;

3. reducing the severity of virus shedding in affected areas (thereby reducing the infectiousness of the patient himself);

4.reducing the number of repeated episodes.

Treatment does not lead to the complete disappearance of the virus, but it is possible to eliminate unpleasant symptoms as quickly as possible, alleviate the general condition and reduce the number of relapses. If a woman develops genital herpes before pregnancy, she should inform her gynecologist, and if an exacerbation occurs, she should seek help. The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the timeliness of the pregnant woman’s visit to a medical facility, and the best result is observed when the disease is detected at the burning stage or in the first 24 hours from the appearance of the rash.

The main method of treating herpes in pregnant women is antiviral chemotherapy. Proven effectiveness:

3.Penciclovir (Denavir);

In pharmacies you can find many drugs that differ in name, price and manufacturer. As a rule, Acyclovir acts as the base substance: Zovirax, Acic, Acigerpin , Acyclostad , Virolex, Gerpevir, Xorovir, Supraviran, Medovir. The annotations say: “Use is justified only when the intended benefit outweighs the potential harm.” Experimental studies have proven that Acyclovir, when taken orally, crosses the placental barrier, but this drug cannot cause abortion. The use of Acyclovir topically in the form of ointments does not harm either the woman or the baby, because it does not enter the systemic bloodstream.

In case of primary infection, the mother is prescribed Valaciclovir 500 mg orally twice a day for 10 days. To prevent the addition of a bacterial infection during oral herpes, it is necessary to rinse with antiseptic solutions (for example, chamomile). At high temperatures (above 38.5 degrees), take antipyretics ( paracetamol In case of relapses, you should take:

1. Acyclovir orally 200 mg 3 times a day for 5 days (with frequent relapses);

2. Acyclovir-based ointments (every 3 hours); sitz baths with herbs (chamomile, string) followed by the application of drying compounds ( zinc ointment)

It is important to know that herpes during pregnancy can and should be treated at any stage (as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor!!!), and the earlier preventive and therapeutic measures are started, the better. Otherwise, various complications may arise (they were mentioned above).

When infected with genital herpes in late pregnancy, the issue of delivery by Caesarean section is decided.

Section 1.10 PREVENTION AND PREVENTION OF RECURRENCE OF HERPES.

The essence of preventing herpes during pregnancy is to minimize the factors that activate the virus. Therefore, in order to protect yourself from it, you must:
1. undergo all prescribed medical examinations;

2.do not smoke;

3.at the planning stage, you can undergo intravascular laser irradiation of the blood, which can temporarily block the herpes virus;

4.be less nervous, don’t get overtired;

5.avoid questionable sexual contacts;

6. do not catch a cold or get too cold to avoid colds, acute respiratory infections and flu;

7.walk more in the fresh air, while dressing warmly, ventilate the room in which you spend most of the time;

8. take a course of multivitamins for pregnant women;

9.strengthen the immune system in every possible way.

Take care of yourself!

Modern pharmaceuticals have several drugs that help quickly and effectively treat active herpes during pregnancy. But the virus cannot be completely destroyed. Once it enters the human body, it settles there forever. Drugs for the treatment of the disease are mainly used locally. It is also recommended to take a course of vitamins with immunomodulatory effects.

Medicines for the treatment of this disease are available without a prescription in every pharmacy. But it is recommended to carefully choose how to treat herpes on the lips during pregnancy.

Being in an interesting position, a woman must understand that any medicine can negatively affect the health of her and the child’s body.

To treat herpes during pregnancy, you need to see a doctor (just make an appointment with your gynecologist). The doctor will not only be able to recommend suitable medications, but will also confirm the correctness of the diagnosis.

If the expectant mother has never had a herpes virus, then she should especially carefully monitor the slightest signs similar to those of this infection. It should be understood that the immune defense of a pregnant woman is especially vulnerable. And at this time, almost every pregnant woman can become infected with the virus initially.

The worst thing is that primary infection with this virus has a lot of negative consequences on the health of the unborn child. Pregnancy termination, miscarriages, and the development of serious pathologies often occur.

In this article you will learn:

Treatment methods

Many drugs that are commonly prescribed are potentially harmful to fetal development and pregnancy. For the expectant mother and her baby, experts recommend choosing medications carefully. It is important that the risk of negative effects on the fetus and the female body is minimal.

Therefore, they usually choose the method of strengthening the immune system, antiviral therapy and local impact on the source of the disease. There is a practice of using traditional methods. But, before resorting to them, you should discuss all the components and the treatment method itself with your doctor, since often traditional methods can be based on unjustified legends.

How to treat herpes during pregnancy

In order to minimize the risk of pregnancy complications and the development of pathologies in the child, medications are prescribed after the doctor has examined the test results.

To confirm the presence of herpesvirus and determine the form of the disease, the following tests may be prescribed:

ELISA - enzyme immunoassay to determine the amount of antibodies to the virus
PCR is a polymerase chain reaction method for detecting viral DNA in saliva, mucus, and the patient’s blood
An immunospot test to confirm the presence of the virus and determine its specific type.

Only after these tests will it be possible to select the correct treatment.

It is especially important to choose a safe but effective treatment strategy for herpes in the early stages of pregnancy. In particular, special attention should be paid when treating pregnant women who were primarily infected with the virus.

Timely, properly selected therapy will not only preserve pregnancy, but also prevent the development of pathologies in the fetus.

Pills

The following tablets are mainly prescribed:

Acyclovir – 200 mg five times a day, treatment period from 5 to 10 days
Valocyclovir or Valtrex – 500 mg twice a day. Duration of treatment 5-10 days
Vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system

You should take the tablets regularly, strictly following the instructions. If it is prescribed to use for 10 days, then the treatment period cannot be shortened, even if the infection is visually eliminated.

It should be understood that this virus not only has a long incubation period, but also periods of extinction and recovery.

The disease can last 30-40 days. Therefore, you cannot let your guard down. If you notice the slightest deterioration in your health from the prescribed tablets, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Ointments - gels

The most common treatment for herpes during pregnancy is with topical medications.

Using ointments and creams for herpes during pregnancy allows you to do the following:

localize the infected area
stimulate rapid elimination of infection
promote rapid healing.

The most effective and safe for pregnant women and their babies is Acyclovir ointment.

To be highly effective, it should be applied to the affected area up to five times a day. Particularly important is the fact that this ointment is effective during primary infection. It not only helps extinguish the infection, but also prevents its further manifestation.

The following ointments and gels have also proven themselves in practice:

Oxolinic ointment
Foscornet cream
Tetracycline ointment
Cream Biopin
Tykveol
Gel hyporamin.

It is important to use creams and gels purchased at specialized sales points. It is also not recommended to take open tubes. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the expiration date and store it under acceptable conditions.

Immunomodulatory

If a severe form of the infectious disease is observed, immunomodulatory medications may be prescribed. It is especially important to start taking them in a timely manner in the first weeks of pregnancy. After all, it is before the 12th week that the baby’s main organs and systems are formed. If the virus penetrates the placenta to the fetus, it will be almost impossible to avoid the abnormal development of individual organs or systems as a whole.

Therefore, immunoglobulin can be prescribed to treat herpesvirus. In the first weeks of pregnancy it is recommended in ointments, after the 14th - in the form of suppositories. During this treatment, the body receives the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals.

Folk remedies

Mostly, folk remedies are based on the use of herbs, decoctions, and compresses. For example, it is believed that aloe leaves can treat herpes in pregnant women by acting locally on the affected area. After two procedures, the pain sensation is significantly reduced, and rapid healing of wounds is observed. Essential oils (fir, sea buckthorn, green tea), calendula flowers, soda and salt, etc. are also used.

But female representatives, wanting to quickly undergo treatment for herpes with folk remedies, often make too much effort.

There are many cases where victims of self-medication using folk recipes turned to doctors with burns and allergic reactions.

At the same time, the disease itself remained undefeated. Therefore, before you fill the wound above your lip with salt, you should think about whether this is really the method that will defeat the virus.

If these symptoms have become a side effect of self-medication, then at the doctor’s appointment you should not hide in secret the remedies that were used at home, because timely awareness can save time in identifying the true cause of the deterioration in health and its further treatment.

Attentive attitude towards yourself and caring for the unborn baby will allow you to endure the entire period of pregnancy easily, without causing damage to maternal and child health. The main goal of a pregnant woman is to bear a healthy baby and at the same time maintain her health, because it is important for further care of the newborn. However, by its nature, a woman’s body in this position is precisely the most vulnerable.

During this period, there is a high risk of contracting various viral and bacterial infections. One of the most common and dangerous for a pregnant woman is herpes infection. This virus is widespread throughout the world and lives in an active or latent state in almost every person. According to various sources, 90-97% of people are its carriers. At the same time, doctors distinguish 8 forms, but the most common are three: simple herpes of the first and second types, as well as herpes zoster.

In our country, many women experience type 1 herpes. Its “calling card” can be considered the presence of rashes (watery blisters) on or above the lips, on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. Over time, these rashes turn into ulcers and then crust over. Those who have experienced this disease know firsthand how long and painful these wounds can take to heal. After all, if you move your lips unsuccessfully, smile or laugh, the wounds can open. And food and liquid falling on them only adds to the painful sensations.