[Question #5523] Hsv1 genital out break at 4 weeks pregnant. History of hsv1 to genital

21 months ago

32 year old female. 4 weeks pregnant.

When I was 16 years old I contracted HSV1 genital. The day I contracted I never had sex or oral sex and it was just genital to genital touching. After the initial outbreak it was about 10 years when I got my next OB. Since then I have had random out breaks maybe once or twice a year. this year I had one in January and I currently having an outbreak at the moment (day 5) however I am four weeks pregnant I went to my doctor two days ago she did a swab And prescribed me with Valtrex 500 mg morning and night for 5 days. I started taking valtrex yesterday, I took 1 in the morning and 1 at night and I’ve taken 1 today at lunch. I am hesitant on taking the tablets and I think I’m going to stop and just let it heal naturally. My concern is what damage have I done to my baby? I’ve heard risk of autism and birth defects is high.

If I stop the valtrex is this doing harm to the baby.

have I caused damage to the baby especially at four weeks as it is such a crucial time of development.

Any good articles you recommend to read? To help me ease my mind? Should i see a specialist?

Please help- extremely anxious about this.

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

21 months ago

Valtrex is safe for late pregnancy and is advised! you don't need to worry at all that it is a danger to your baby. Zero worries. In fact, starting at 32 weeks is not a bad idea as you could start labor earlier and then the baby would have additional protection against becoming infected at birth. I think ALL people who care for pregnant women would agree that antiviral therapy at the end of pregnancy is safe and recommended. This will reduce the potential need for a c-section if you have an outbreak at delivery and will cut down on asymptomatic viral shedding as well.

Question: did you have a swab test of a sore to determine that you have HSV 1 genitally? And you had never received oral sex in your life before this happened?

Terri

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21 months ago

Thank you for your response.

Yes this week I had A swab and it came back HSV1 but my question was based on the fact that I am four weeks pregnant and had an outbreak and took Valtrex I understand that it’s safe towards the end of the pregnancy.

But I want to know if it is safe to have taken valtrex at 4 weeks pregnant.

And I had a recurrent episode at 4 weeks pregnant.

If there is harm to the baby?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

21 months ago

oh yes, it is fine to take the antivirals at 4 weeks. People do it all the time who don't even realize that they are pregnant. And some OB providers have people taking these meds the entire pregnancy, though that isn't the recommendation. I think you are absolutely fine!

Terri

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