Genital herpes is a common std, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). Some people hardly notice it, while others suffer from itching, tingling around their private parts, pain when urinating, or small blisters and sores. These symptoms can return as so-called outbreaks, when the virus flares up again. This is not only physically unpleasant - it can also have a mental impact. How do you deal with the stress of a new attack? After infection, the virus hides in your nerves, safe from your immune system. If your resistance drops - due to tension, illness or lack of sleep - it can wake up and cause problems. For pregnant women, it is wise to keep a close eye on this and skip triggers. This can pose risks during pregnancy and childbirth. A first infection while you are pregnant can even cause problems. That is why it is key to know what is going on and what your situation requires. Do you want a child or are you pregnant and do you see something suspicious? Call us at Midwives Lelystad – We understand that it is difficult to talk about this, but we are here for you.
A little more: genital herpes is not rare – millions of people worldwide have it. The virus is sneaky – you can have it without knowing it, because it sometimes stays still. But when it breaks loose, you feel it. For pregnant women, this is extra scary – you want to keep your baby safe. A good talk with your midwife can give you peace of mind and make a plan.
What Genital Herpes Does to Your Pregnancy
Genital herpes can complicate your pregnancy a bit – it brings extra worries to an already exciting time. During delivery, the virus can pass from you to your baby if you have an active outbreak, especially if your baby passes through those blisters. This is called direct transmission – via the fluid from those spots in your birth canal. For a newborn baby, this is no small matter, because their immune system is still weak. But don't worry – together we can keep that risk small. Do you have herpes? Tell us at Verloskundigen Lelystad right away. With regular checks and open conversations, we can make a smart plan. In the event of a first infection around delivery, a cesarean section necessary to protect your baby. That sounds big, but we make sure it's okay. If you don't say anything about new blisters and it's your first time? Then it can be dangerous - your baby's health is at stake. With a previous infection it's different - we can often catch it.
If you’ve had herpes before, preventative medication may be an option in the final weeks – it’s called antivirals and it keeps outbreaks at bay. We’ll explain everything to you so you know what to expect. It’s all about information and support – you deserve it, especially now.
More details: a first infection in your pregnancy is riskier than a recurrence. Why? Your body has not yet made antibodies, and these protect your baby. With an old infection, you often have them, which reduces the chance of problems. But timing is everything – an outbreak at the finish line requires quick decisions.
Emotional Impact and How to Find Support
Getting pregnant is a rollercoaster, and genital herpes can make it even worse. How do you deal with something like that when you first feel it? An outbreak can leave you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety—about yourself, your baby, your relationship. Shame, guilt, and the feeling of being alone can hit you. And then the question: How do I tell my partner? But remember: you’re not alone in these thoughts—every pregnant woman has her insecurities.
Herpes can make you doubt: where did it come from, did I pass it on? And if you are pregnant, the fear for your baby comes with it. That is normal, but there are ways to keep your baby safe – that will make a big difference. Talk about it with your partner and your midwife – being honest will make you feel better. Do you want a hug, a listening ear, or just want to know what is possible? Say it. At Verloskundigen Lelystad we take the time – you can share everything, without judgement.
Relaxing also helps – stress triggers outbreaks. Try calm breathing, mindfulness, or yoga – something that calms you down. Calling a friend or your sister can also work – sometimes a simple chat can do wonders. It’s not just about your body, it’s about your mind too – we support you on all fronts.
How do you get genital herpes?
Genital herpes is usually contracted through sex with someone who has it – even if that person shows no symptoms. The virus spreads secretly, even without blisters.
Want to know more? It can happen through all types of sex – vaginal, oral, anal. And yes, even a kiss can do it if HSV-1 is involved. It’s a silent killer – your partner can have it without even knowing it.
How do you know it's genital herpes?
A doctor will diagnose it by looking at your symptoms, checking you out, and sometimes testing a little fluid from blisters. There are two types – HSV-1 and HSV-2 – and a culture can tell, but that’s painful and often not necessary if you’re pregnant.
Extra: if you have blisters, it is usually clear. But without symptoms, a blood test can help – that looks for antibodies. In pregnancy, we often skip that culture – it adds little and only hurts.
What triggers a herpes attack?
Stress, illness, fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, or even too much sun can all wake up the virus. Everyone has their own triggers – keep a diary to see what your buttons are. Pregnant? Eat two pieces of fruit and vegetables a day, and get some rest – especially after a bad night.
More info: your body is a balance - if your resistance drops, herpes seizes its chance. Pregnancy can make that extra difficult - your hormones are all over the place. Rest is your weapon.
How do I keep genital herpes away?
To reduce the chance:
- Grab a condom – latex or polyurethane will work.
- Skip sex if there are blisters.
- Be open with your partner – honesty is the best policy.
Extra: condoms are not a 100% guarantee, but they do help a lot. And talking? That prevents surprises – your partner deserves to know too.
How often do you see genital herpes?
It’s everywhere – globally, 1 in 6 people aged 14 to 49 have it. It’s so common that you probably know someone who has it – it’s just not always said.
Herpes and a desire to have children
Do you want to get pregnant and have herpes? Don't panic - many women with herpes have healthy babies. Tell your midwife everything about your herpes history, especially if you have had blisters.
More: It doesn’t have to stop your dream. With a good plan – and sometimes some medicine – it can work out just fine. The most important thing is to share it upfront.
Just have a vaginal birth?
Do you have or have you ever had herpes that is dormant? Then you can simply give birth vaginally. In the event of an outbreak, we tape the blisters or smear them with iodine - minimal risk. But a first infection in the last 6 weeks or at delivery? Then it will be a caesarean section – that keeps your baby safe.
Extra: that first time is tricky because your body doesn't have a shield yet. With an old infection you have antibodies - that makes a big difference.
What do hospitals do?
Hospitals have rules for herpes during childbirth. Have you had it before? Then you can often just do it with your midwife. Sometimes a pediatrician checks your baby once - extra security.
What do you tell your midwife?
In your first check you share:
- How often and how severe your outbreaks are.
- What your concerns are about your delivery and baby.
More: Be honest – the more we know, the better we can help you. It’s your story, and we’re building it with you.
What if my baby gets it?
An old infection? No worries – vaginal is usually safe. But a first outbreak during childbirth? That can be risky – your baby’s skin, eyes, or even brain can be affected. Fortunately, it’s rare: 2-3 in 100,000 babies.
Treatment and how to keep it small
Herpes doesn’t go away – it stays in your body. But you can manage it with antivirals like Acyclovir – they make outbreaks shorter and milder. And your life helps too: less stress, good food, and sleep keep it calm. Skip nuts and chocolate – they have arginine, which fuels the virus.
More: Aciclovir is safe in pregnancy – it helps clear up blisters and protect your baby. A zinc ointment can also help – it will soothe things. For many outbreaks, a daily dose can be prescribed by your GP or gynaecologist – that keeps it quiet.
No cure for herpes
Herpes is forever – no pill will make it go away. But with smart care, you can keep it under control.
Living with herpes
It's a challenge, but you can have a great life with herpes. Knowing what it is, being open with your partner, and taking care of yourself makes all the difference.
Support from Midwives Lelystad
Genital herpes is more than just blisters – it affects your head too, especially when you’re pregnant. At Verloskundigen Lelystad we get that. We help you read your body and offer more than pills – we listen. How are you feeling? What do you need? Together we’ll make a plan that keeps you strong.
Finally
Genital herpes can make your pregnancy a little more difficult, but with the right information and support, you can keep it under control. Talk to us at Midwives Lelystad – we’ll keep you and your baby safe. It’s all about a good plan and support, so you can focus on your little one.
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Take good care of yourself and your baby!
With warm regards,
Midwives Lelystad
Address: Badweg 21, 8223 PA Lelystad
Telephone: 085 40 19 095
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