HSV-2 Outbreak

[imnotcreativeenough]

Im a first time poster here on BH. I am currently 21weeks pregnant and have had a herpes outbreak down there. I only noticed it last night and have a doctors appt in an hour but am so worried.

I got my first outbreak at 34wks with my first baby, it was under control by the time baby was born because I took acyclovir. I delivered vaginally.

Now I am just worried about more outbreaks. I didnt think I was stressed at all but I got an outbreak. Is pregnancy enough to warrant an outbreak?

I'm just worried as I know if you ahve a outbreak at delivery time you need a c-section and I am trying to avoid one unless neccessary. I had this worry last time too and all the worry just makes you more prone to outbreaks.

Did anyone get a 2nd outbreak during pregnancy? Is it true its not as bad at the primary outbreak? My primary outbreak was awful and I was in hospital for a few days.

[meagss]

Hi imnotcreativeenough and welcome to BH!

Sorry to hear of your HSV-2 worry. I've had HSV-2 since I was 18 (am now 36) and I can honestly say, just about the only times I've had recurring outbreaks in the last 10 or so years is when I've been pregnant (I'm currently expecting my third) - even when I thought I wasn't stressed. So yes, I think pregnancy alone is enough to bring on an outbreak - maybe because your body is working extra hard?? In all the years since my first outbreak, the recurring symptoms have never been as bad.

I ended up having to have c/sections for both my babies (for other reasons not related to HSV-2) - and will be with this third one too, so vaginal birth with an outbreak has not been an issue for me.

However, in your case I suggest you try taking daily L-lysine supplements. I took them in my last pregnancy (before I knew I had to have another c/s) and they worked great as a preventative measure. There is the usual debate with supplements on whether they are safe during pregnancy or not - there is no evidence to prove they are, but no evidence to prove they're not, either. You could always run it past your doctor. For what it's worth, my baby was completely healthy! Failing that, ask your doctor to prescribe a preventative dose of Valtrex or similar for the last month or two of your pregnancy. He should have no problems doing this for you.

Sorry for the long reply! Good luck and I hope you get to labour outbreak-free :-)