Herpes during pregnancy: consequences and diagnosis

For the future mummy, any disease is undesirable. However, there is a group of the most dangerous diseases, which are highly likely to lead to the pathology of pregnancy and fetus, and even to its interruption. These are the so-called TORCH infections. Today every woman in the situation gives them tests without fail.

The most dangerous disease is herpes in pregnancy due to its high prevalence among the population, as well as the ability to asymptomatic course. The first type of this virus infected more than 90% of the population. Basically it is in an inactive state and manifests itself only when immunity is weakened, which occurs when hypothermia, overheating, physical and emotional overstrain, severe illness. Pregnancy is also accompanied by a weakening of the defenses of the body, so there may be an exacerbation of this disease.

With herpes, small bubbles appear on the lips, under the nose and its wings, the auricles. Then they are covered with a crust that disappears after 1-2 weeks. In addition, a person can be fatigued, a feeling of weakness, a sleep disorder, a slight increase in temperature.

There is also genital herpes, the cause of which is mainly a virus of the second type. It is also manifested, but eruptions occur on the genitals and cervix. Infection occurs sexually.

Especially dangerous is herpes during pregnancy during primary infection, when the woman's blood is not yet antibodies to the virus. If it occurred in the first trimester, then a miscarriage or serious developmental anomalies in the fetus may occur with high probability. When infecting in the last trimester, it is possible that a dead child is born or with brain damage.

If herpes during pregnancy has escalated less than a month before the expected delivery, it is possible to infect the child when passing through the birth canal. In this case, a caesarean section is recommended.

If a woman was a carrier or had a virus before conception, herpes during pregnancy is less terrible for the fetus. However, it is better to exclude exacerbations, and in case of their occurrence, immediately consult a doctor and follow all his recommendations.

Ideally, even before pregnancy, do the analysis and determine the level of immunoglobulins G and M, and to both types of the virus. Positive result IGG says that the woman is already infected, then in each trimester it is worth checking the level of IGM, its increased value will indicate an exacerbation. In this situation, not all medicines can be used, but herpes in pregnancy, the consequences of which are catastrophic, must be treated without fail.

If only IGM is elevated during pregnancy planning, this indicates a primary infection. Then it is necessary to be treated, and only then to try to conceive a child. And then, in each trimester, determine the IGM level.

If both IGM and IGG are increased, this indicates an exacerbation of the chronic process. It is necessary to recover, and then only to try to become pregnant. In each trimester, check the IGM level.

If neither IGM nor IGG are raised, the woman is not infected and she should beware of it during pregnancy. Of all the above, this is the most undesirable option. Then every three months during pregnancy, she needs to determine both IGM and IGG.

If pre-pregnancy tests have not been given, then it is advisable to do them as early as possible. If it is a question of genital herpes, then a smear from the genital tract should be done monthly for the presence of the virus by the PCR method. In any case, you need to protect yourself: do not contact sick people, do not overcool, increase immunity.

Thus, herpes during pregnancy, especially genital, can have very serious consequences. It is extremely dangerous for primary infection, so it is better to check the level of antibodies in the blood before pregnancy, and then monitor it in each trimester. Pregnant should be protected from infection, and if it happened immediately seek medical attention and be treated.