Pregnancy and cold sores.
Cold sores are caused by a virus, Herpes Simplex. It is usually acquired during childhood and remains chronically in the body.
If you are pregnant and you have a cold sore, consult with your health care practitioner. While there are many over the counter, along with alternative, treatments for cold sores, special care should be taken when using thses preparations while pregnant.
The herpes virus can mean a risk for the baby, however it is the genital herpes that can infect the baby during birth, or neonatally if the mother becomes infected for the forst time while she is pregnant.
Herpes Simplex type 1, (HSV-1) the most common cause of cold sores can infect the baby, post natally.
If you or your partner has herpes, whether it is the oral type of herpes, or genital herpes, consult with your obstetricion or gynecologist regarding precautions both during the pregnancy and after the birth of the baby.
If your partner has genital herpes and you do not, it is especially important to seek medical attention, since a primary infection especially during the last trimester could cause harm to the unborn baby. Herpes, due to the large areas where sores are occuring, is not prevented by the use of condoms. Abstaining from sexual activity may be adviced if your partner is infected.regnancy-and-cold-sores
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