Louisa I just want to wish you all the best with the birth of your baby!
Its interesting how there are different medical opinions out there. For my booking in appt at the public hospital, seeing a regular midwife, she in no uncertain terms told me that if I had a lesion at the time of going into labour then I would need a c/s. I was also told this when pregnant with Aidyn last time.
Even though from 37 weeks I plan on taking the Valtrex medication, which works really well for me. I think I am lucky in that the virus only affects me a couple of times a year anyway.
At later midwife appts - this time with the midwifes in the Birth Centre, I was told that as I have had genital herpes for many years, the risk of transferring the virus to baby, even with a lesion present is very very minimal.
The midwifes went so far to recommend that I didn't even need to take the anti-viral medication, however I will be - as that is what I feel more comfortable with.
I took the Valtrex for a few weeks leading up to Aidyns birth, and never had any issues with it, and was able to have a VB.
Funnily enough last time (when pg with Aidyn) when I went through the regular public hospital system, no one really seemed to know much of anything about genital herpes during pregnancy at all, it was so frustrating! They couldn't even tell me if it was safe to take the medication or not - and actually advised against it, but luckily I was able to find the correct information elsewhere.
There are a few useful bits of info that I have learnt from my midwifes at the birth centre too.
There are recommendations that during an active outbreak the use of instruments should be avoided during birth. These include things such as fetal scalp monitors, ventous, forceps, as they can cause breaks in the babies scalp, allowing the virus to enter.
Also as Kelly said, it is advisable not to have your waters broken manually, as they act as a protective barrier for baby.
I think the biggest risk with genital herpes during pregnancy is if you actually contract the virus and have your first outbreak whilst you are pregnant, especially during 3rd trimester, as this poses more significant risks to baby.
Mummy2chloe - I'm glad that you feel a sense of relief in being able to talk about this now. I remember when the first topic was posted earlier last year on this, I kept thinking 'should I respond?', as I was so worried about being judged.... There definitely is a lot of guilt that goes with having an STD, even though its actually fairly common - its just that people don't feel comfortable/safe to talk about it, which is a shame, as its important to receive accurate facts and information, as well as support from people who understand what you are going through!
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