Transmission of the Herpes Virus During Delivery

The sexually transmitted infection known as herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes causes
genital sores or blisters, if it even manifests itself at all. You can contract the herpes virus and
not know it, since herpes lesions can look like razor burn or similar skin problems if it appears. Herpes
typically causes flare-ups of symptoms that can easily spread to other people through sexual contact
or even to your baby during delivery.

Pregnant women should be careful about transmitting herpes during the birthing process. This birth infection
can often prove to be fatal. However, if the woman had herpes before getting pregnant or contracted
the virus early in pregnancy, this can lessen the chance of passing down a fatal infection to the baby.
If you contract the virus late in your term, your antibodies do not have a chance to protect your baby
against the virus.

Additionally, doctors should be aware of the condition so that they can plan accordingly. If you suspect
that you have herpes during your pregnancy, you should get tested before it is time for delivery. This
is because flare-ups during the birthing process can transmit herpes simplex to your child. Should a
mother have a flare-up around her due date, doctors should consider a caesarian section to help protect
the baby from a newborn infection. Also, people with cold sores should be kept away from the child so
that they do not spread their infection to the newborn.

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If your doctor fails to recognize a herpes flare-up and take preventative measures during your delivery,
your baby can contract the virus and even die. You should reasonably expect your doctor to protect your
baby against newborn infection and birth injury. For more information regarding birth infections and
birth injuries, contact
the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today at 215-238-1130.