Press Releases
April 2004 - Herpes Viruses Association welcomes Government guidelines on Caesarean-sections
The Herpes Viruses Association (HVA) today welcomed government guidelines encouraging women to opt for a natural birth.
Seven percent of calls made to the HVA helpline are from women concerned about pregnancy and birth. "For many years there has been a misconception that women who have suffered an outbreak of genital herpes during pregnancy will need a caesarean section to prevent the virus spreading to the infant during birth. In fact, a caesarean is rarely required," said Marian Nicholson, Director, HVA.
She continued, "A recurrence of genital herpes infection with a full-term delivery doesn’t matter. This is because an unborn baby benefits from maternal antibodies against illnesses to which the mother has previously been exposed, including herpes simplex. This is known as transplacental protection."
There are however a few circumstances when the risks are higher and a caesarean is recommended, these include:
- If the mother contracts genital herpes late in pregnancy - particularly those developing symptoms after 34 weeks of gestation - she will not have time to develop antibodies against the virus so there is no natural protection for the baby during birth.
- If a baby is born prematurely, it may not have acquired transplacental protection and is at risk of catching herpes simplex from the mother if the virus is present in the birth canal.
Helpline for the general public:
0845 123 2305 - be prepared to note when the next helpline volunteer is available.
Website:
http://www.herpes.org.uk
The Herpes Viruses Association exists to promote better mental and physical health with regard to the family of herpes viruses. Our aims are:
- To give correct information on herpes to the public, to medical professionals and to the media.
- To promote research into the prevention and treatment of herpes simplex and its effects on the persons who contract it, and to disseminate the useful results of such research for the benefit of the public.
- To relieve persons with symptoms of herpes simplex.
