The Herpes Simplex Virus causes cold sores and genital herpes. It is a common affliction of hundreds of thousands of people and is usually seen as quite a minor, yet uncomfortable, ailment. The virus does not always present itself with symptoms.

The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause problems for newborns and can pose a serious risk to their health.

Babies can contract the Herpes Simplex Virus during birth (from the birth canal), if he or she is kissed by someone who suffers from cold sores or if someone touches a cold sore and then the baby.

The virus can affect a baby as simply as giving them cold sore like blisters but it can also cause damage to their mental development, their nervous system or can result in death.

Thankfully the chances of your baby contracting the virus are quite low with the greatest risk factor being if a mother to be contracts genital herpes in the final trimester of pregnancy and does not have a chance to produce sufficient antibodies before the birth.

If you have or belive you have genital herpes at the time of delivery you can reduce the risks further by;

• Talking to your doctor or midwife if you have had genital herpes during your pregnancy
• Talking to your doctor or midwife if you believe you are experiencing any of the symptoms of genital herpes in your third trimester (itching, tingling, sores or tenderness in your genital area)
• Request a non assisted birth (i.e. no forceps or ventouse) to reduce the risk of baby’s skin being broken during childbirth and letting the virus into their system
• Requesting that your waters are not artificially ruptured as this can increase the risk of the virus reaching your baby before birth
• Watching your baby carefully for any problems during the first four weeks including any of the usual signs of the virus, lethargy, fever, irritability or problems with feeding.

If you do not have genital herpes then steps which you can take to protect yourself and your baby include;

• Not having unprotected sex with anyone who has or may have genital herpes
• Not having oral sex with anyone with cold sores
• Not letting anyone with cold sores kiss your baby within their first few weeks and asking them to wash their hands before touching baby if they do have cold sores.

Finally be concious but try not to worry too much. Babies are very rarely infected by the Herpes Simplex Virus.