Top answers from doctors based on your search:
babies born with genital herpes
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Yashica Robinson White answered
17 years experience Obstetrics and Gynecology
No: Genital herpes does not cause birth defects. It is important to understand that it is not recommended for a woman to have a vaginal delivery if she ha ... Read More
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4 thanks

Dr. Marilynn Frederiksen answered
47 years experience Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Birth defects: Genital herpes can be passed to the newborn as the child passes through the birth canal. Currently we are starting Valtrex (valacyclovir) on women who ... Read More

Dr. James Ferguson answered
46 years experience Pediatrics
No: The likely outcome will depend on the situation.If you are having your first outbreak near the time of delivery, the kid may get herpes encephalitis a ... Read More
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. Tsu-Yi Chuang answered
50 years experience Dermatology
No.: Impossible.
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Kwok answered
33 years experience Pediatrics
Yes: A woman with a history of genital herpes, with or without fresh sores on her genitals, can transmit herpes virus to her baby during delivery. Such an ... Read More
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Dr. Robert Jackson answered
43 years experience Dermatology
Yes: Usually at time of birth.

Dr. James Ferguson answered
46 years experience Pediatrics
Yes: This is more likely to happen if mom has a first breakout around the time of delivery & delivers vaginally. Infection rates of around 30% have bee ... Read More
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Erine Kupetsky answered
16 years experience Family Medicine
Yes: If you have an genital outbreak and deliver vaginally, yes you can pass it to baby. Best prevention is to take Valtrex (valacyclovir) 500 mg once dail ... Read More
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Martin Raff answered
56 years experience Infectious Disease
No: If you have not previously had genital herpes your delivery of a baby is not going to give it to you.
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Kwok answered
33 years experience Pediatrics
Fetus can get herpes: A fetus (unborn baby) can catch herpes from the mother before labor and delivery. Such transmission of the herpes virus is uncommon but does occur som ... Read More
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Danielle Salhany answered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Yes: Yes. There is a risk of transmission to the baby during pregnancy but this is very low. The greatest risk for transmission is during a vaginal de ... Read More
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14 thanks
A 30-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Killian answered
28 years experience General Practice
Herpes: Yes. If the female's herpes is in the vagina.
A 33-year-old male asked:

Dr. Steven Weissberg answered
55 years experience Obstetrics and Gynecology
Yes: If there are not outbreaks at term
A 18-year-old member asked:

Dr. Miriam Sivkin answered
36 years experience Obstetrics and Gynecology
Must tell spouse: First thing that you must do is share your history with your spouse. He can be tested to identify if he has it as well. If you are attempting pregnanc ... Read More
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7 thanks
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