Antigua and Barbuda
A 21-year-old female asked:
Can you give vaginal birth if you have herpes?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
Depends: The biggest risk (death, encephalitis) for a newborn comes if the mothers 1st outbreak comes during or near the onset of labor/delivery. About 30-40% will become infected. During secondary outbreaks the risk drops some, with 5%+ becoming infected. Many can control secondary outbreaks with meds and deliver vaginally but others schedule a CS before the water breaks.
292 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 3, 2018
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