A 28-year-old member asked:
What treatment will i need in pregnancy if i have genital herpes?
7 doctor answers • 19 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Antiviral medicine: If you have frequent herpes outbreaks, you may be started on antiviral medication early in pregnancy to suppress them. If you don't get outbreaks often, make sure to tell your doctor you have a history of herpes. You will be placed on treatment at 36 weeks to prevent an outbreak around the time of labor. Active herpes during labor requires a c-section to avoid giving the baby an infection.
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Dr. Jeff Livingstonanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
Antiviral medication: No treatment is needed unless you have an outbreak. During an outbreak your doctor can prescribe Acyclovir or valacyclovir (valtrex). At 36 weeks most doctors will start you on prophylactic treatment with daily medication to prevent an outbreak or viral shedding during delivery. If you have an outbreak at the time of a delivery a C-section will be needed.
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Dr. Jaime Lopezanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 41 years experience
Anti-herpes medicati: An outbreak in pregnancy will usually be treated the same as in the non-pregnant patient. Your doctor may also decide to put you on daily treatment beginning one month before delivery to prevent an outbreak. Your doctor will also decide the best delivery route for you.
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6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Krameranswered
Gynecology 38 years experience
Anti-herpes meds: During the last month of your pregnancy your obstetrician will place you on anti-herpes medication to reduce the risk of a herpes outbreak that could infect your baby during birth. They will do weekly herpes cultures of the vagina to insure that herpes is not being shed. Should you have an outbreak or your culture is positive, then you will probably undergo a cesarean section.
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6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
32 years experience
Anti-herpes medicati: If you have a herpes outbreak while pregnant you can take an anti herpes medication. If you have an active outbreak while in labor you will need a c-section. Women who have had recent herpes outbreaks are given anti herpes medication after 36 weeks to try to prevent an outbreak in labor.
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6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Megan Birdanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 21 years experience
Anti-herpes meds: We usually start medications to suppress herpes at about 36 weeks. This decreases the chance you have an outbreak around the time of delivery. Be sure to watch for signs or symptoms of an outbreak during pregnancy. If you have active herpes when you go into labor, you may need a cesarean to make sure your baby doesn't get herpes.
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6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Newtonanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 42 years experience
Antiviral medication: Treatment during pregnancy is the same as in non pregnant. Most doctors prescribe antiviral medication prophylactically for patients with a history of herpes or if their sexual partner has a history of herpes. This treatment has decreased the number of cesareans for herpes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 45-year-old member asked:
Is there a treatment for genital herpes that works?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Keegan Duchicelaanswered
family medicine 16 years experience
Yes.: Early on in an outbreak, antiviral medications work well to make the symptoms go away sooner, and when given during the first outbreak of genital herpes, it can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Please see your primary doc asap if you think you might be having an outbreak because medications can help!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
What is the best treatment for genital herpes?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joel Gallantanswered
Infectious Disease 38 years experience
Anti-herpes drugs: Acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. Of the three, valacyclovir is the most convenient because of its dosing schedule. If herpes outbreaks occur frequently, it's better to use daily suppression with the same medications rather than treating each episode.
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5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
How can I treat genital herpes during pregnancy?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
32 years experience
Acyclovir: Acyclovir or valcyclovir are standard treatments. You should take them prophylactically during the last month of pregnancy to avoid getting an outbreak in labor. If you happen to have an outbreak while in labor, a c-section is recommended.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Related questions
A 38-year-old member asked:
Could genital herpes cause problems during pregnancy?
Dr. Richard Chudacoffanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 34 years experience
Yes: If it is the first outbreak then there is a risk to the fetus, regardless of the type of delivery. A congenital infection can have devastating effects... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
View all answers
A 21-year-old member asked:
Is there an effective treatment to reduce genital herpes symptoms?
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Treatment available: There is no cure for oral or genital herpes, but antiviral medications are helpful in preventing or clearing up herpes sores. Topical antiviral creams... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Can genital herpes affect pregnancy or getting pregnant in the future?
Dr. Anne Haleanswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Yes and no.: If a patient is known to have genital herpes then she is usually offered suppressive therapy at about 36 weeks to prevent transmission to the baby as ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
I was just diagnosed with genital herpes and my outbreak just cleared up and i finished treatment. Is it possible to have another outbreak already?
Dr. Robert Killiananswered
General Practice 30 years experience
Genital Herpes: Yes. Unfortunately recurrent herpes outbreaks, while not common are possible. You may need to go on a daily treatment of the herpes medication for se... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Whst is the next line of treatment for genital herpes if u have an outbreak while on a 10 day regimen of valtrex?
Dr. Kenneth Chenganswered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Other medications: There are multiple anti-viral medications available nand others can be tried when one does not seem effective. See your doctor if you continue to have... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
View all answers
Last updated Dec 26, 2022
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