I Have Herpes Type 1 Which Is Cold Sores On Mouth Can I Pass It On To Baby During Sex? (pregnancy, skin)

[Blackandgold51]

Girlfriend of mind is freaked out because she thinks i can pass the virus on to the baby during sex.

She also worries i might pass the virus on to her

[suzy_q2010]

Girlfriend needs to talk to her obstetrician and get tested for herpes antibodies - both types.

You need to be tested for both types, also. Some oral cold sores are caused by type 2.

If she is negative and you are positive, yes, you could give either type to her during sex, whether you have symptoms or not.

If she tests positive, her doctor can explain what can be done to reduce the risk to the baby.

[Spazkat9696]

Both types can cause sores in both places. She should talk to her doctor if she's worried.

[west seattle gal]

Yes if you have oral sex. The virus is transmitted via skin-on-skin contact. The baby could then get the virus when moving through the birth canal. You can "shed" virus on your skin (typically from the site where you have your outbreaks) even when there are no visible lesions. I agree, she needs to talk to her OB.

[Ottawa2011]

Your girlfriend could contract it, yes. If she had sores that could be an issue --not sure of the difference between the different herpes strains-- but it could be passed on to the baby. Herpes is an STD that could cause birth defects. She should discuss this situation with the doctor, the obstetrician is in the best position to answer questions about the impact on the baby's health.

[UpstateJohn]

You haven't gotten that taken care of yet?

[suzy_q2010]

Herpes and Pregnancy | Are you worried about having a healthy baby?