Can c-section give you a cold sore?

[Arimeh]

I would say that if you had a traumatic birth - any way either c-section or VB - and were prone to getting cold sores, then you probably would get one.

My mum gets them whenever she is stressed or emotionally upset - but I'm not prone to them so I don't get them - and I've had 2 c-sections.

[Mother Goose]

I agree that it would have had more to do with stress and trauma than the actual mode of birth.

FWIW, I did have one after the birth of DD. 8hrs labour followed by emergency C-Sect.

[Indadhanu]

I didn't get a cold sore after my c/s (42hours then a c/s) so it'd also have to be if you are prone to them. I am, but only when its windy (my lips get dry) or if I bump/bite my lip so I guess its pretty individual.

[CathyS]

Like I said, I never suffered any cold sores before. I had even begun exercising a month before and lost a bit of weight and then I fell pregnant by surprise, and got really sick....first cold sore, sinusitis, conjunctivitous (got this from my girls). My immunity went down as my body was protecting the baby I guess. I never got sick like this before when I fell pregnant. I just came off the pill too. Never had a proper period.

I get dry lips a LOT and often have to put vaseline on them EVERY NIGHT. The one night I didn't put vaseline on them, I got a cold sore! Maybe I just need to keep them moisterised a lot?

I just hope I don't get one when bub is born.

[mummato1]

I just came across this thread, I just had my first bub by c-sec on 07/07 and I ended up with about 6 of the buggers all along my bottom lip!!!

But saying that, I am prone to coldsores.. so it didnt surprise me. My body was under a lot of stress, I was tired and dehydrated and very dry lips.

The worst part was not only that I couldnt kiss bub, but also that the hospy wanted me to wear a mask when I fed or held, so basically most of the time!