An Honest Guide to
Herpes and Pregnancy

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

Pregnancy is a big, beautiful chapter—and if herpes is part of your story, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a joyful and positive experience!

However, it’s totally normal to have questions, especially when it comes to keeping both you and your baby healthy. So let’s talk about it—openly, honestly, and without any shame.

A herpes infection doesn’t define your pregnancy—or your power as a parent. Staying connected to solid, trustworthy info and asking questions (no matter how small they seem!) is a game-changer. With the right support, so many people with herpes go on to have smooth pregnancies and healthy babies.

Bottom line? You’ve got this. Knowledge is power, and you deserve to feel informed, supported, and totally in control of your journey.

Herpes and Pregnancy 101

Let’s be real—pregnancy can be a wild mix of excitement, questions, and “Wait, is this normal?” moments.

If you’re living with herpes or just found out you have it, it’s totally okay to have feelings about how that might fit into your pregnancy journey. We’ve got you.

Herpes is super common (like, millions-of-people common), and while it can show up in different ways, it doesn't have to derail your plans for a safe, healthy pregnancy. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel navigating it all.

What exactly is Herpes?

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (aka HSV), and there are two types:

• HSV-1: usually causes cold sores (but yes, it can cause a genital HSV infection too).
• HSV-2: the more typical culprit behind genital herpes.

Both types can show up downstairs or upstairs, depending on how the virus was passed on (oral sex included). Some people get obvious symptoms like blisters or itching, and others? Zero signs at all. That’s why a lot of folks don’t even know they have it.

When you’re pregnant, the main concern is making sure the virus doesn’t get passed to the baby during delivery—especially if you’re having a vaginal birth.

How common is Herpes during pregnancy?

Honestly? Super common. Around 1 in 5 pregnant people in the U.S. are living with a genital herpes infection, and most go on to have totally healthy pregnancies and babies.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just know you are so not alone. The key is staying in touch with your healthcare provider and getting support that feels good to you. Whether you’ve had herpes for years or were just diagnosed, you’ve got options, and you’ve got time.

Can Herpes be passed to my baby?

It can happen, but it's not super likely, especially if you’ve had herpes for a while and your provider knows what’s up. The virus is most likely to be passed to your baby during vaginal delivery if there are active sores. That’s called neonatal herpes, and even that is pretty rare.

Your risk may be higher if you contract herpes late in pregnancy, since your body hasn’t had much time to build antibodies yet. But if you've had the virus for a while and you’re managing it with support and prescription treatment, that risk can be lower.

There’s also a very rare chance the virus can be passed during pregnancy, but that’s more likely during a first-ever outbreak (aka a primary infection), not a recurring one.

What are the Risks?

Okay, so you're pregnant (or thinking about it) and herpes is part of the picture.

First of all—deep breath. Having the herpes virus doesn’t mean your pregnancy can’t be healthy and joyful. But it is helpful to know what to look out for so you can make choices that feel right for you and your baby.

Primary vs. recurrent infections

So here’s the deal:

• A primary infection means it’s your very first outbreak.
• Recurrent genital herpes is when the virus flares up after it’s already been in your system for a while.

Primary infections during pregnancy come with a higher risk of the virus reaching the baby, especially if it happens close to your due date. But if it’s a recurrent infection? Your body already knows how to handle it, and that’s great news.

What about the baby?

Let’s get the big one out of the way: the thing most people worry about is neonatal herpes, which is when the virus is passed to a baby during a vaginal delivery.

While that sounds intense (and yes, it can be serious), the good news is it’s very rare—about 1 to 8 out of every 100,000 births each year.

This usually only becomes a concern when someone contracts herpes for the first time late in pregnancy. In that case, the body hasn’t had time to build up its usual defenses.

And here’s why people take neonatal herpes seriously: newborn immune systems are still figuring things out, so herpes can hit them much harder than it would an adult. In some cases, it can affect their skin, eyes, and even their little nervous systems. Some babies who get herpes at birth can develop serious complications like vision issues, and that’s why care teams keep a close eye on things.

But if you’ve had herpes for a while or are managing it with a provider’s guidance, you’re already doing what you need to feel confident and in control.

What about you?

Pregnancy is a huge experience, and your immune system and hormone levels are doing the most. That can sometimes mean more frequent or intense outbreaks for some people. Not fun, but definitely manageable.

In very rare cases, herpes has been linked to complications like early labor or issues with the placenta—but again, those cases are not the norm. Most people with herpes go on to have smooth, drama-free pregnancies.

If you’re having more outbreaks than usual or just want to make a plan that works for your body, chat with your provider and get the help you deserve.

How to take care of yourself (and your baby) through this

If you're navigating pregnancy and herpes at the same time, first of all, huge hugs. You're doing great, and you’re going to be okay. So many people are in the same boat, and with the right info and support, you will handle it like a champ.

Whether this is your first outbreak or something you’ve been managing for a while, the key is staying informed and working with a provider who’s on your team.

Prescription antiviral medication

If you’ve been prescribed antiviral meds like acyclovir during pregnancy, don’t stress—that’s super common (and a good thing). These meds are often used to help keep herpes outbreaks in check and make delivery a little smoother. Most people do great on them, and the safety record during pregnancy is solid—but you’ll need to discuss this with your OBYGN irl to get a prescription and be extra cautious.

As always, everybody is different, so your provider will help you figure out what works best for you. They’re there to answer all your questions (even the TMI ones, promise).

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

Know your body and track your symptoms

Your body’s going through a lot (hi, hormones), so it’s totally normal for symptoms to shift a bit during pregnancy.

You might notice tingling, itching, or a sore starting up—and if you do, check in with your provider ASAP. They can help you figure out next steps, like meds or changes to your birth plan, that’ll help you feel confident and cared for.

Even if you’re not having any genital symptoms (or otherwise), your doc might still want to keep an eye on things in the final stretch of pregnancy. Some providers run tests to check for viral activity, just to stay ahead of the game. No biggie—just part of making a plan that works for you.

Communicate with your provider

Honesty is the name of the game here. Sharing about a genital infection with your provider isn’t just helpful, it’s super important and super powerful. It opens the door to care that’s personalized, thoughtful, and focused on giving you and your baby the best.

Got questions about meds? Want to talk through delivery options? Not sure what to expect in the third trimester? Ask away. Your provider is there to support you, not shame you.

What are my delivery options?

Alright, so you’re getting closer to baby time—and if you’re navigating pregnancy with herpes, you might be wondering what your delivery options actually look like. First of all: deep breath. You’ve got options, and you don’t have to figure this all out alone.

Your delivery plan is going to depend on what’s happening in your body closer to your due date. Your healthcare provider will help you make a decision that feels right and keeps both you and your baby as safe and comfy as possible.

When is a C-section the best choice?

Let’s talk about cesarean births (aka C-sections).

Sometimes, a C-section might be recommended if there are visible herpes sores around the time you go into labor. That’s because the virus is most likely to pass to your baby during a vaginal delivery if there’s active shedding or open lesions.

In the final stretch of your pregnancy, your provider might check for signs of an outbreak—either through a visual exam or lab testing—just to get the full picture. If anything active pops up when labor starts, a C-section is usually the move.

Can I still have a vaginal birth?

Totally possible! If you’re not having an outbreak and your provider doesn’t detect any viral shedding, vaginal birth is often still on the table.

In those cases, your medical team might recommend some tweaks to your birth plan, like steering clear of certain tools (think fetal scalp monitors) or delaying water breaking to lower any chance of the baby coming into contact with the virus.

And if you’ve been prescribed antiviral meds during your pregnancy, staying consistent with those can make a big difference in keeping everything calm around your genital region as delivery day approaches.

Tips for handling delivery day when you have genital Herpes

So, what can you actually do to feel more confident and in control when labor kicks off? Here’s the lowdown:

• Keep taking your prescription antivirals exactly as prescribed if your provider has recommended them.
• Let your care team know right away if you feel like an outbreak might be starting or if you’re in labor.
• Avoid touching any sores, and don’t be shy about asking your team to use sterile instruments and clean techniques—they’ll be doing this already, but it never hurts to feel informed.
  

What about the fourth trimester?

Your baby’s finally here—cue all the emotions, the snuggles, and maybe a few “wait, what now?” moments.

If you have herpes, you might be wondering how to care for your newborn without stressing out about the virus.

First things first: neonatal herpes is rare. Be aware, but don’t let this stress you out. Your pediatrician will keep an eye on your baby, and you’ll be looped in on anything you need to know. Think of it as teamwork—you and your doc, making sure everything’s cool post-birth.

What to keep an eye on

Neonatal herpes symptoms don’t always show up right away, so knowing what to look for can give you a little peace of mind. Here are a few signs that might pop up in the first few weeks:

• Tiny skin bumps or blisters (especially on the scalp, face, or body)
• Eye stuff—like redness or discharge
• Fever or if your baby feels cooler than usual
• Sleepiness or extra fussiness
• Trouble feeding or spitting up more than usual
• Any seizure-like movements

If something feels off or you spot any of the above, reach out to your pediatrician ASAP. The earlier your baby gets checked out, the better the care plan can be.

What if you have active lesions?

If you’ve got any active sores after delivery, don’t stress—you can still care for your baby with a few simple precautions. Here’s what to do:

• Wash your hands often (think: every diaper change, feed, or snuggle)
• Keep any sores covered with clothes or bandages
• Avoid direct contact between your baby and any active genital herpes lesions
• If needed, wear gloves while handling your little one, especially if you have sores on your hands

You don’t need to panic or keep your distance, just take a few thoughtful steps to keep things safe and cozy.

Can I breastfeed with Herpes?

Good news: breastfeeding is absolutely on the table. Genital herpes doesn’t pass through breast milk, so unless you have a sore on your nipple or breast, you’re good to go.

If you do have a lesion on your boob, just nurse from the other side while that one heals. You can also pump and toss the milk from the affected side if you want to keep your supply up. No need to overthink it—just make the choice that feels right for you and your baby.

And as always, if you have sores anywhere else, give those hands a good wash before feedings or cuddles.

What about exposing my baby?

Being a new parent means lots of close contact (because duh—your baby’s adorable and needs all your attention). If you or anyone around your baby has herpes, here’s how to keep things comfy and low-stress:

• Hand washing is your BFF—make it a habit for anyone who handles your baby
• If you’ve got a cold sore, skip kissing your baby for now (blow kisses instead!)
• Cover up any active sores with clothes, bandages, or whatever works
• Make sure friends and fam are also taking those steps if they have any active symptoms

It’s all about creating a loving, safe space for your new little human—and you’re already doing that just by learning what’s up.

Having a happy, healthy pregnancy with Herpes

Navigating herpes during pregnancy? Yeah, it can feel like a lot—but guess what? You are more than capable of handling this with confidence and care.

So take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the only one doing this. Lots of folks with genital herpes have healthy pregnancies and happy, snuggly babies.

The trick? Teaming up with your healthcare provider, keeping those communication lines open, and making choices that support you. That might look like taking prescription antiviral meds, checking in for any signs of outbreaks, or planning your delivery in a way that makes you feel supported and secure.

And hey, you don’t have to figure it all out solo. Wisp is here with judgment-free care, prescription treatments, and easy, confidential consults—so you always have someone in your corner. Whatever comes up, we’ve got you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can a pregnant woman pass herpes to her baby?

It’s possible, mostly during delivery—especially if you have an active outbreak at the time. That’s why your provider may recommend a C-section in some cases. But remember: your doctor is on your team and will help figure out what’s safest and most supportive for you and your baby.

How can herpes affect pregnancy?

Honestly? It just means being a little more mindful. You might take prescription antiviral meds, check in with your provider more often, and plan your delivery with some extra TLC. It doesn’t mean your pregnancy can’t be totally healthy and joyful.

Can you have a healthy baby if you have herpes?

Absolutely, yes. Having herpes doesn’t change the fact that your body is doing something amazing. Most people with herpes have completely healthy pregnancies and beautiful, thriving babies.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.