Treatment of herpes on the lips in the first trimester. Useful video about the serious problems that the herpes virus can create for sexual life. Treatment of herpes during pregnancy

09.05.2019

Herpes on the lip during pregnancy is an unpleasant phenomenon that many women face. Often, due to such a small disease, a wonderful period in the life of every woman can noticeably darken. Often, the appearance of such a disease causes a lot of anxiety in a woman who is preparing to become a mother in the near future. If in ordinary life such a manifestation brings only inconvenience, now the question arises whether the disease will bring any negative consequences for the baby?

Should I be worried?

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy also appears during the transmission of the virus through bodily contact with a person who has been infected, by airborne droplets and household contact.

Is there a danger during infection?

Yes, if primary infection occurs, and herpes first appears on the lip. In this case, the fetus is really in danger. If the body has not experienced this kind of illness, and the virus is already in the body, then it will not pose any threat either to the expectant mother or to the unborn child.

Cold on the lip during pregnancy - what is the reason?

Before you start to deal with such a manifestation, it is worth understanding why it arose and whether it is possible to minimize the likelihood of its occurrence in the future. The development of such an infection in pregnant women often occurs due to a marked decrease in immunity. This happens against the background of factors such as:

Existing chronic diseases.
Noticeable fatigue.
Severe hypothermia.
A noticeable lack of nutrients, trace elements, vitamins.
An imbalance of hormones, which often occurs while expecting a child.
Using medications that can cause a cold.

What are the types of the disease?

A cold on the lips during pregnancy can have several manifestations. Naturally, it proceeds in no form. They can differ markedly from each other, and ultimately affect both the course of the pregnancy itself and the development of the fetus as a whole.

If a woman who is expecting a child already had herpes rashes on her lips before pregnancy, then the probability of transmitting this virus to the fetus will be no more than 5%. If a woman did not come into contact with the herpes virus until she became pregnant, and the infection occurred at the moment when she was expecting a baby, then the probability of a negative impact on the fetus immediately reaches 90%. Here you can’t do without medical help, because a timely response to such a manifestation can save the life of a child.

Doctors divide the existing variants of the manifestation of herpes into several types. These include:

primary form of the disease. It is carried out at the moment when the woman is only infected. It manifests itself when there are no antibodies in the body that can fight pathogenic microbes. It usually occurs at the moment when herpes on the lips during pregnancy appears for the first time, and the woman has not yet had it.
Recurrent herpes. Infection is carried out before pregnancy. The disease manifests itself in the event that immunity decreases, respectively, the symptoms of this disease appear. If at this time a blood test is carried out, it can be noted that there are herpes antibodies in the body.
Asymptomatic transmission of the virus. In this case, the virus will spread inside the woman's body, transmitted from cell to cell. At the same time, none of the symptoms of the disease will give itself away. It is possible that even herpes on the lip will not appear during pregnancy, but a woman may be infected.

How does herpes type 1 progress during pregnancy?

The manifestation of the disease on the lips, which can be in pregnant women, does not differ from that which usually manifests itself in women who are not expecting a child. The basic difference is how the disease will proceed. The initial manifestation on the lips usually looks like a small rash. Less commonly, the disease manifests itself on the oral mucosa. Spots appear, which over time will transform into large bubbles that have liquid in their cavity.

A few more days will pass, and they will burst. A crust will appear at the site of the injury. However, in addition to rashes, other diseases or intoxication can be tracked, which include:

Severe burning in the place where it was damaged.
Itching, swelling, discomfort and discomfort.
Body temperature up to 38 degrees.
Severe pain in the muscles, a feeling of aching in the joints.

Other types of diseases will not manifest themselves so acutely, they will not cause intoxication of the body. However, the appearance of rashes on the lips is not excluded. Despite what kind of herpes appeared on the lip during pregnancy, and whether the pregnant woman was infected, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible. This guarantees the course of pregnancy in the future without complications.

What is the main danger?

Herpes during pregnancy on the lip can be dangerous if a woman becomes infected for up to 12 weeks, that is, in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is here that the fetus itself is formed, and the virus penetrates both the blood of the pregnant woman and the blood of the fetus, spreads throughout the body. When it reaches the placenta, there is a greater risk of harm to the developing baby.

The second trimester of pregnancy will be no less dangerous, because up to 22 weeks there will also be a risk of manifestation of pathologies. If the virus is severely affected, then there is a possibility of a miscarriage, the formation of some kind of deformity, the appearance of signs of pneumonia and other abnormalities.

The third trimester of pregnancy will not be as dangerous as the first and second. In isolated cases, the virus will cause premature birth of a child, damage, abnormal development of the baby's brain, or the birth of a dead fetus. These questions concern cases of primary infection of a pregnant woman.

If a pregnant woman has already suffered such a disease, then re-infection will not occur. In the body of the expectant mother there are special antibodies that will easily protect the fetus from infection and prevent the manifestation of negative symptoms. In this case, a cold on the lip during pregnancy is almost no danger.

How to act pregnant?

Considering that the signs of herpes are immediately visible, especially in expectant mothers who have experienced such a disease, it is necessary to immediately begin to eradicate this manifestation. Initially, you should forget about self-medication, because a cold on the lip during pregnancy can be as dangerous for babies as other diseases of the expectant mother. Only a gynecologist can optimally prescribe treatment, based on what week of pregnancy the woman is in, what is the activity of the virus, at what stage of the disease and what type of virus is in the body.

Many drugs are now contraindicated for pregnant women, in particular, this also applies to herpes drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to select medicines that will help eliminate the manifestation of the disease and not harm the unborn child. There are products that are available in the form of ointments, gels or creams for use on the skin. Tablets and other medicines used inside are very rarely prescribed during pregnancy. Popular antiviral agents are Acyclovir, Gerpevir, Zovirax. They are applied to the place where inflammation occurs, and the active substance will not penetrate into the blood and placenta, so such medicines are suitable for treatment.

It is important to remember that in addition to drugs, to fight the virus, you need to take vitamins, trace elements, strengthen and increase immunity. Then the probability of disease, abnormal development of the fetus is minimized. A large role will be played by a full and healthy sleep, strengthened immunity, and the correct preparation of the diet of a pregnant woman.

It is also possible to minimize the likelihood of herpes manifestation if you adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, do not tear off the formed blisters and crusts. So you can only harm yourself and your unborn child more, re-infect yourself. If the disease is detected on time, and its treatment is not started late, it will disappear after a maximum of a week. After that, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination again to make sure that everything is fine with the child, it is also necessary to be under the supervision of a doctor and constantly follow his recommendations.

In order for herpes infection not to become something unexpected, it is necessary to adhere to certain preventive measures, and they must be started before conceiving a child. These rules include:

Blood donation for analysis and detection of herpes.
Constant observance of the rules of personal hygiene.
The correct approach to planning a child, given that both parents must undergo a complete examination.
Maintaining immunity at a high level.
Timely treatment of infectious and viral diseases.
hardening.
Minimizing bad habits or completely abandoning them.

What is worth knowing about infection with the disease?

There are some nuances that you should know about the disease for a woman who is already carrying a child, or is just preparing to become a mother. Three main points:

Primary infection, which most often occurs through, spreads throughout the body. It can manifest itself not only with high fever, but also with a rash on the body. In fact, the mother does not have immunity to this disease, so the virus spreads everywhere, affects any tissue. Immunity is formed quite quickly, however, in a short period of time, the virus manifests itself in individual nerve cells or in certain areas of tissue and skin on the lips.
If there is an immunodeficiency state of a pregnant woman, it is possible that the fetus is affected by such a disease. When a virus infection occurs, the disease recurs. The virus cannot be contained in the tissues and cells of the mother's body, because antibodies do not form immunity to it. When this happens, most often the fetus will become infected and eventually die. This condition is dangerous, because the probability of death of the pregnant woman herself is high.
Do not forget about genital herpes. Most often, infection occurs during intercourse with a pregnant woman, and in the future the virus can then be transferred to the lips when it comes to oral sex. Note that the consequences of genital herpes can be very dangerous for the unborn child. But practice shows that such a situation is unlikely. If the mother is already immune to the virus with which she was previously infected, then re-infection with genital herpes is almost completely excluded.

Difficulties arise when it comes to oral sex, and the pregnant woman has not "picked up" the herpes virus before. In this case, there is a high probability of infection. If we are talking about genital herpes, then most likely the fetus will be infected, after which an abortion will be required.

The above cases- these are examples of how you will have to act and carry out treatment in one or another site should be at a doctor's visit.

According to statistics, almost 90% of the entire population of the Earth are carriers of the herpes virus, so most people face the disease personally. The disease may not manifest itself for a long time, but a weakened immune system cannot cope with the virus and herpes is activated.

Unfortunately, scientists have not yet invented a panacea for this disease; with the help of medicines, it can be suppressed by removing unpleasant symptoms. One of the factors influencing the development of the disease is pregnancy. Today we will talk about this disease in such a difficult period in a woman's life.

Causes

The mother's body considers the fetus to be a foreign body that needs to be disposed of, so nature took this fact into account, and immediately after conception, immunity weakens a little, allowing the baby to develop normally. But there is a downside to this process: with a decrease in the body's defenses, the body is exposed to many ailments, one of which is the herpes virus.

The appearance of herpes during pregnancy is provoked by the following factors:

malnutrition of the expectant mother;
stress;
smoking, drinking alcohol;
surge of hormones;
physical overload (lifting weights, cleaning the house too hard). Women in this position must limit themselves to certain types of work;
concomitant diseases (colds) or chronic (liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract diseases, diabetes mellitus, HIV infection);
overheating or hypothermia of the body;
contact with an already sick person.

If the disease manifests itself for the first time, then the risk for the baby increases, because once the mother has been ill, antibodies are formed that protect the fetus from exposure to the virus. But even in this case, you should immediately contact your gynecologist. To avoid infection, you should know the ways of transmission of the disease:

by airborne droplets. Having noticed the symptoms of herpes in the interlocutor, immediately reschedule the meeting, for an unborn child, this disease is fraught with various negative consequences;
contact-household method. You can catch the infection using one towel, dishes, other household items, with sick herpes;
during childbirth, from mother to child.

Interesting! Almost all people on the planet are susceptible to the herpes virus, but there are 4-5% who are not threatened by this disease, they have a certain mechanism that protects them. The nature of this phenomenon is unclear, but scientists are diligently trying to solve this mystery.

Symptoms and effects on the fetus

Herpes on the lips is very easy to recognize: small blisters filled with liquid appear. Soon they burst, leaving behind small erosion. Accompanied by rashes with itching and burning in the reddened areas of the lips.

But how does the virus affect the fetus? This question interests all pregnant women. It all depends on the duration of pregnancy, the protective forces of the mother and the clinical picture. The shorter the period, the greater the likelihood of negative consequences.

In different trimesters of pregnancy, herpes affects the unborn child in its own way:

herpes during pregnancy 1 trimester. The most dangerous to the life of the fetus. The virus can easily break through the defense (pass through the placenta), causing a miscarriage or pathology in the development of the child. You can avoid such an outcome by taking tests on time, taking precautions (read at the end of the article);
herpes during pregnancy 2 trimester. During this period, the baby is a little stronger and the likelihood of negative consequences decreases every week. With regular ultrasound, testing, doctors can timely identify the first symptoms (placental thickening, cysts, etc.), effectively cure, with minimal risks for the baby;
3rd trimester. In this case, there is a high probability of abortion, a huge risk not only for the baby, but also for the health of the mother.

Possible consequences

Is herpes on the lips dangerous during pregnancy? There are very few people in the world who are not infected with the virus. While carrying a child, the virus on the lips can be dangerous, especially if you get sick for the first time.

In most cases, you should not worry, the probability that the child will have developmental disorders, skin defects will appear, fortunately, is no more than 4%, with the correct diagnosis and modern treatment. It is better to consult a doctor in a timely manner, follow all his instructions, do not be nervous, as you know, most diseases are the result of stress.

Preventive measures

For a future mother, it is very important to prevent the appearance of herpes, to prevent the recurrence of this disease. Follow these recommendations during the planning period of pregnancy, during its course:

strengthen immunity (hardening, taking vitamins, light exercise);
observe sleep and nutrition;
eat healthy food;
give up bad habits;
observe personal hygiene, after coming from the street, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly;
do not use samplers of cosmetics, a huge amount of bacteria is concentrated on them;
walk in the fresh air, lead an active lifestyle (during pregnancy, consult your doctor about physical activity);
avoid any contact with already infected people;
do not try to lose weight dramatically, take care of your figure after childbirth, take better care of the baby, now his health is in the foreground.

Herpes on the lips is not a sentence for the fetus. Take precautions, consult a doctor in time, do not be nervous, then you will definitely give birth to an absolutely healthy baby.

Is it necessary to treat herpes on the lip during pregnancy? The answer is in the next video:

Pregnancy is a special, incomparable period in the life of every woman, when, in anticipation of the long-awaited miracle of the birth of a child, she becomes a caring and gentle mother even before childbirth. In this state, any ailment can cause a feeling of anxiety for the baby: what if her illness will harm the unborn little man? Especially when it comes to herpes on the lips.

Causes of the virus

Infection with the herpes virus most often occurs in childhood. Scientists believe that there are practically no people who do not have herpes in their bodies. If a person has a fairly strong immune system, the virus may not manifest itself for many years, be in the so-called dormant state. Any stress factor for the body, be it a cold, hypothermia, a nervous breakdown, overwork - everything that weakens the immune system can lead to the activation of the virus and the manifestation of unpleasant rashes. A favorite place for the localization of herpes in women during pregnancy is the lips and genitals.

A woman's body undergoes significant hormonal changes during pregnancy. This is an unpredictable period when existing chronic diseases can worsen, immunity can decrease, and the same herpes virus can manifest itself in the form of rashes. If before pregnancy a woman periodically suffered from herpetic eruptions, then there are no particular concerns for her and for the fetus - there are antibodies in the mother's body and the likelihood of complications is low.

Herpes that first appeared during pregnancy is a reason to urgently and definitely go to the clinic, undergo an examination and be treated under the supervision of the attending physician, because not all medicines can be taken by a pregnant woman so as not to damage the health of the unborn child.

How does herpes on the lips manifest itself?

First, the corners and the inside of the lips swell and begin to itch, then painful redness appears, followed by bubbles very quickly. After the bubbles burst, an ulcerative surface forms, then crusts that can crack and bleed, causing discomfort and pain.

Treatment and prevention of relapse

Of the pharmaceuticals, ointments Zovirax, Acyclovir, Vivorax, Cyclovir, Gerpevir and others are popular. But pregnant women most often prefer to be treated with folk proven methods: they lubricate the rashes with petroleum jelly, baby cream, vegetable oil, or treat the blisters with medical alcohol. There is an opinion that treatment with Corvalol solution, earwax or toothpaste helps with herpes on the lips. This, of course, is a moot point, but if it helps and does not harm, why not use it?

But the final decision when choosing a method of treatment and drugs is best left to the doctor.

There is another opinion that if a pregnant woman has had herpes, it means that antibodies have developed in her body and the child’s body after birth will be able to fight the herpes virus. This is just an opinion, so it’s still better to try to warn yourself against diseases during pregnancy: do not overcool, remember about sleep and rest, include foods and juices rich in vitamins in your diet.

Since herpes is caused by a virus, if hygiene standards are not observed, it will spread throughout the body and rashes can form in any part of the body. It is absolutely impossible to open or pierce the bubbles - this not only increases inflammation, but also contributes to the contamination of the body and household items with viruses, which can become sources of infection for other family members. It is also recommended to avoid contact of rashes with water. You can not use cosmetics. Not only do they clog pores and prevent healing, they can also become sources of re-infection in the future, since the virus remains on cosmetics for a long time.

It is important to wash your hands with soap and water after handling rashes, for example during handling. It is very dangerous to get the virus on the mucous membrane of the eyes.

If you use these easy-to-follow recommendations, you will cope with the problem that has arisen without much stress, without damaging either your health or the health of the baby.

The herpes virus infects most people on the planet. Usually, a cold on the lips does not cause concern in a person, since it does not pose a serious danger to his health. The course of a viral infection in pregnant women has its own characteristics.

Causes of herpes on the lips during pregnancy

The vast majority of the population is infected with the herpes virus. This "cold on the lips" is a manifestation of the herpes virus of the first type. Penetrating into the body by airborne droplets, this virus resides in the nerve fibers for a long time. Being there in an inactive state, viral particles wait for a favorable moment to start active replication. A provoking factor for the onset of the disease is a decrease in immunity.

During pregnancy, there is a natural decrease in the body's immune defenses. This is a necessary condition for the normal development of the fetus. A woman's immune cells recognize the cells of the developing fetus as foreign. In order to avoid a rejection reaction, nature provides for a natural suppression of immune activity.

The appearance of herpes is associated primarily with a decrease in immunity

The development of herpes during pregnancy may be the result of a primary infection during this period of a woman or manifest itself as an activation of an already existing one in a latent state. This can happen at any stage of pregnancy. Additional provoking factors can be:

respiratory infection;
flu;
avitaminosis;
hypothermia;
overheat;
any infectious pathology (inflammation of the kidneys, tonsillitis).

First trimester

With primary infection in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus has a high probability of developing severe malformations, sometimes incompatible with life. As a rule, such a pregnancy ends in spontaneous abortion. Another outcome is a frozen pregnancy, when a fetal egg and membranes are determined on ultrasound, and the embryo is absent.

With an already present viral infection, an exacerbation in the first trimester can lead to a delay in fetal development. In most cases, the newborn is a carrier of a viral infection.

Second trimester

The first contact with the herpes virus in the second trimester is no longer so dangerous for the health of the fetus. By the beginning of the second trimester, the main structures of the fetal organs are already formed. The development of a herpes infection in the second trimester can cause dysfunction of the placenta. Due to the development of feto-placental insufficiency, chronic oxygen starvation of the fetus may occur. As a rule, this leads to a delay in its intrauterine development, a child can be born with a lack of body weight and reduced immunity. In cases of a severe course of a viral infection, the pathology of the nervous system develops, its active formation occurs from 12 weeks of pregnancy. A newborn baby may develop viral encephalitis or meningitis.

As a rule, such a severe effect of a viral infection on the formation of a fetus is extremely rare and is due to other factors that reduce immunity, for example, HIV infection or other immunodeficiency states.

If a pregnant woman does not have a pronounced immunodeficiency, the herpes simplex virus in the second trimester of pregnancy can provoke:

After 14 weeks of intrauterine development - violations of the formation of the endocrine system of the fetus.
From the 16th week - a slowdown in the growth and differentiation of the bone tissue of the fetus.
From the 20th week - a violation of the formation of ovarian tissue in female fetuses.
The threat of late miscarriage or premature birth (depending on the term).

In case of activation of a chronic viral infection in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the risk of developing fetal pathology is minimal. Antibodies to the herpes simplex virus cross the placenta and have a protective effect on the fetus.

third trimester

Infection with the herpes virus type 1 from 24 weeks of gestation can lead to impaired development of the organs of vision and hearing. In newborn children in such cases, blindness or deafness may develop. Such consequences are extremely rare, since most women had contact with the herpes virus before pregnancy, antibodies to this pathogen are already circulating in their bodies.

A severe course of a viral infection in the third trimester provokes the development of feto-placental insufficiency and is the cause of premature birth.

Symptoms

With primary infection or activation of a latent viral infection, asthenic syndrome first develops:

Increase in body temperature.
Weakness, malaise.
Aches and soreness in the muscles.

After 2 or 3 days in the area of the lips, sometimes the wings of the nose, hyperemia and edema develop. There is an unpleasant sensation of itching. A day later, vesicular rashes appear in these places. These are vials filled with transparent contents containing a large number of viral particles.

After 3 or 4 days, the blisters begin to burst and crust over. After another 3 or 4 days, they heal without the formation of scar tissue. The total duration of the disease varies from 7 to 14 days.

This process can proceed much faster with timely treatment. When a chronic herpetic infection is activated, the clinical picture may be blurred, asthenic syndrome may be absent.

Treatment Methods

For treatment, both pharmaceuticals and folk methods are used.

Preparations

Currently, there are no medical products that can completely remove the herpes virus from the body. Therefore, measures for the treatment of herpes during pregnancy are aimed at alleviating the general condition of the woman and reducing the risk of negative consequences for the fetus.

Treatment of asthenic syndrome - rest, good nutrition. It is recommended to include foods that contain lysine in the diet. This amino acid inhibits the replication of the herpes virus. Lysine is found in chicken meat, fruits and vegetables. Foods such as chocolate and raisins are recommended to be excluded from the diet during illness. The amino acid arginine contained in them stimulates the spread of the virus.
Of the antipyretic drugs during pregnancy, only Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are allowed.
The use of antiviral drugs. Antiviral therapy is most effective in the period between the development of hyperemia before the rash, or on the first day after the onset of the rash.

Proven antiviral activity has the drug Acyclovir or Zovirax. When applied topically to lubricate rashes, it effectively reduces swelling and suppresses the active replication of the herpes virus. When applied topically, this drug does not enter the bloodstream. It also comes in tablet form. When using the drug easily penetrates the placental barrier and has an effect on the fetus. However, with the manifestation of a viral infection only in the face area, Acyclovir tablets are used extremely rarely, usually they are prescribed only for immunodeficiency states.

For the treatment of herpes during pregnancy, other ointments containing Acyclovir are also used: Virolex, Supraviran and others.

As a preventive measure for the attachment of a bacterial infection, the foci of the rash are smeared with antibacterial ointments: erythromycin, tetracycline or oxolinic.

Photo gallery of drugs for the treatment of herpes

Cream Zovirax

Folk remedies

For the treatment of herpes on the lips, alternative methods can be used as a supplement. They are natural, safe, affordable and easy to use.

Lubrication of the affected areas with fresh aloe or Kalanchoe juice.
Applying to the area of rashes tampons with infusion of chamomile, tansy, licorice root or calendula.
Cauterization of vesicles with alcohol or fresh garlic juice.

These procedures can be performed 3-5 times a day, they accelerate the healing of the lip epithelium.

To reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery of the labial epithelium, you can use toothpaste or a special anti-herpetic lipstick.

However, all these methods have only a local anti-inflammatory effect. These methods do not have specific antiviral activity. Therefore, when using only folk methods, it is difficult to achieve effective treatment for herpes.

Photo gallery of folk methods of treatment

Juice extracted from garlic cloves

Precautionary measures

When treating herpetic eruptions on the lips, you must follow the rules:

Do not touch the affected areas and do not peel off the crusts.
Use individual dishes and towels.
Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting lenses to prevent viruses from getting into your eyes.
Refrain from applying decorative cosmetics, when using face cream, avoid the area of rashes.

Possible consequences for mother and child

For the woman herself, a viral infection is not dangerous. During pregnancy, the determining factor is the possibility of a negative impact on the intrauterine development of the child. To assess its condition and predict the further management of pregnancy with the development of herpes on the lips, ultrasound scanning is used at different times:

For a period of 11 or 12 weeks, the thickness of the collar zone is determined. These data make it possible to assess the presence of intrauterine malformations in the first trimester of pregnancy.
At 21 or 22 weeks - anomalies in the development of the fetal organs and the condition of the placenta (thickening, the presence of calcifications).
At a period of 32 weeks, violations of various organs and systems and the presence of feto-placental insufficiency, the amount and condition of amniotic fluid are determined. A decrease in the production of amniotic fluid and echographic signs of their heterogeneity indicate intrauterine infection of the fetus.
In addition, at 16 weeks of gestation, the content of alpha-fetoprotein is checked. This indicator, together with ultrasound diagnostics, allows the most reliable diagnosis of intrauterine fetal malformations.

To assess the risk of a viral infection for the fetus, it is necessary to determine whether it is primary or whether the viral particles have already been in the mother's body for some time before external manifestations. To do this, carry out the determination of antibodies to the virus in the blood.

In the acute phase, during the initial contact, the immune system produces antibodies - immunoglobulins M. After three weeks of the existence of the herpes virus in the body, immunoglobulins G are detected in the blood.

Women who are planning a pregnancy should be tested for antibodies to the herpes virus to predict the course of pregnancy and the risk of malformations in the fetus.

Prevention

The development of a viral infection during pregnancy can be minimized by following some recommendations:

Timely treat respiratory diseases and infections of other organs. Sanitation of foci of chronic infection must be carried out before pregnancy (treatment of caries, chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other diseases).
Eat well, include in the diet all the necessary components for the formation of good immunity. These are protein products (poultry, fish and beef), dairy products, cereals with sufficient fiber content, vegetables and fruits. Pork during pregnancy is not recommended. Chocolate, coffee, confectionery during pregnancy is best excluded from the diet.
For good immunity and the full development of the fetus on time, pregnant women are recommended to take special vitamins. Drugs and dosages are prescribed by a doctor who monitors pregnancy.
In order not to provoke the activation of viruses, pregnant women need to observe the daily regimen, walk daily in the fresh air, avoid hypothermia and overheating. Visiting the sauna is highly undesirable.

A pregnant woman suffers herpes on her lips in the same way as a common cold. This infection does not represent serious consequences for her health. But on the state of health of her unborn child and the course of pregnancy, the herpes virus can have many negative consequences. Therefore, do not neglect the measures to prevent this disease and at the first signs of a viral infection, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner.

About what the herpes virus is and how to treat it, almost every person knows not from hearsay. More than 85% of the population of our planet are carriers of this virus.

In a healthy state of the body, herpes does not bother a person. However, during pregnancy, immunity decreases and one morning a girl may find the appearance of wounds on her lips. How this disease affects the health of a woman and an unborn child, you will learn further.

Herpes is an infectious disease caused by three different types of viruses. The first type of herpes virus causes diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, and the second type - a disease of the genitals.

With the primary lesion of the human body, herpes remains with him forever. At the same time, in some people the disease manifests itself regularly, while in others only once.

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy: causes and signs of the disease

Herpes can appear in every pregnant woman. How this disease affects the fetus depends on when the infection first occurred. If the girl has had the virus before, then the harm to the child will be minimal. When infected during pregnancy, the risk of adverse effects increases significantly.

The results of the study will be ready in a few days and it is necessary to familiarize the doctor with whom the woman is registered with them.

Ways of infection with the virus:

airborne;
direct contact with a sick person;
sexual intercourse with a virus carrier.

Relapse of the disease can be caused by such factors:

angina or acute respiratory infections (acute respiratory disease) suffered by a pregnant girl;
hypothermia;
severe fatigue or stress;
lack of vitamins and general exhaustion.

The disease is not expressed on the lips immediately after infection. The hidden period can last up to 10 days, and then rashes appear. In some cases, the disease is accompanied by headache and fever.

The development of the disease is characterized by the following stages:

itching and burning - appear almost immediately after infection and sometimes become simply unbearable;
the appearance of edema and neoplasms on the lips in the form of bubbles with liquid;
the woman's body temperature may rise slightly;
the formation of wounds after the opening of the bubbles;
after the wounds have dried up, cracks may appear from which blood oozes.

The impact of the disease on the health of the unborn baby depends on whether the girl had herpes before and for how long the pregnant woman was infected.

What exactly is dangerous herpes on the lips during pregnancy?

The disease is dangerous for the child and the expectant mother if the infection occurred for the first time during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that antibodies are formed in the human body after an illness.

If a woman had the virus before pregnancy, then the fetus is protected by maternal antibodies and the possibility of infecting the baby is minimal.

Negative consequences on the health of the child are possible in more than half of the cases with the primary infection of a pregnant girl:

risk of miscarriage;
fetal developmental defects;
fading of the fetus in the womb;
premature birth;
damage to the child's nervous system;
intrauterine growth retardation.

Many women consider the disease frivolous and are not even treated. However, with itching, it is possible to scratch the newly formed vesicles. After that, the leaked liquid will remain under the nails and on the girl's hands. This liquid is very dangerous.

In the presence of direct contact with the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, it is possible to infect healthy areas.

When combing wounds, there is a threat of infection, entailing a number of possible complications. This is inflammation of the skin, penetration of the infection deeper into the skin and blood with further damage to the internal systems.

Therefore, if a woman is diagnosed with a disease, she should definitely consult a doctor and start treatment.

Treatment of herpes during pregnancy with medications

The herpes virus negatively affects the formation of the fetus. It is especially dangerous in the first trimester, when the baby's internal organs are forming. The occurrence of an infection on the lip of a girl in the early stages of pregnancy (in the 1st trimester) can provoke a miscarriage or adversely affect the formation of the brain and skull bones.

When registering with a gynecologist, a pregnant woman should definitely notify the doctor if rashes of wounds on her lips due to a herpes infection occur regularly.

The doctor may prescribe natural preparations in order to curb the activity of the infection and improve immunity:

ginseng - supports the body's defenses and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent;
echinacea - increases the body's resistance to infections and improves the general condition;
eleutherococcus - increases immunity and vitality of the body.

Treatment of the disease during pregnancy, both in the 1st and in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, is complicated by the fact that popular and fairly effective drugs cannot be used. How to treat herpes on the lips during pregnancy? Doctors usually prescribe one of the following drugs:

Acyclovir is an antiviral ointment that penetrates the skin cells infected with the Herpes virus and suppresses their negative effect. It is recommended to apply immediately at the first signs of the disease 4-5 times a day for 5-10 days;
Oxolinic ointment - stops the manifestation of the disease, having a devastating effect on infections in painful vesicles. The drug does not accumulate in the body and is excreted in a day. The ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day for a week;
Panavir is a herbal preparation that increases the body's resistance to infections. The gel is used 5 times a day, applied to the affected areas with a thin layer;
Pencivir - stops the reproduction of the virus, blocking its negative effect. The cream is applied to the wounds every 2-3 hours for 4 days;
Zovirax is effective in the prevention and treatment of herpes in pregnant women, as it does not affect healthy cells. Apply the ointment 5 times a day with an interval of 4 hours for 4-5 days.

On the recommendation of a doctor, a pregnant girl should start taking these drugs as soon as symptoms are detected. You can take similar medications. The safest drugs for the fetus and mother are drugs based on acyclovir.

Standard doctor's appointments are limited to ointments and gels. However, with a significant lesion of the girl's skin, the doctor may recommend taking drugs in the form of tablets (Acyclovir, Valaciclovir).

Folk remedies for the treatment of the disease

Traditional medicine methods are quite effective in the fight against the virus, if applied at the initial stage of the disease. The most effective treatments with available products:

Cauterization of inflammation - tincture of propolis or calendula;
Lubrication of wounds on the lips with rosehip oil, sea buckthorn, bergamot, lavender;
The use of creams based on lemon balm;
Apply aloe juice to the affected areas;
Use toothpaste to dry wounds;
A film from a chicken egg is applied to the inflamed areas until completely dry.

However, the use of folk remedies does not cancel the treatment of a pregnant woman to a doctor. After all, these funds only affect the symptoms of the disease, and not the virus.

Genital herpes during pregnancy: causes, symptoms and treatments

A pregnant girl can become infected with genital herpes through sexual contact or by using personal hygiene items from an infected person. A man may not have external manifestations of the disease, but the likelihood of infection is quite high. Factors affecting the appearance of wounds on the genitals:

decreased immunity of a pregnant woman;
sexual intercourse with an infected partner without barrier methods of contraception.

Herpes on the labia during pregnancy is most dangerous during pregnancy due to possible serious complications in the development of the fetus.

A child can be born with severe disorders in the work of the heart, nervous system, organs of hearing and vision during intrauterine infection.

The first symptoms of the disease are:

rashes in the form of bubbles with liquid (there are wounds on the genitals, buttocks, inner thighs);
itching and burning in the area where the bubbles form;
muscle weakness;
fever (in rare cases).

If the above signs are found, the expectant mother must consult a doctor. Doctors prescribe treatment, which is carried out in several stages:

Taking antiviral agents in the form of ointments and tablets (Acyclovir, Valaciclovir, Zovirax, Pencivir, Famvir);
Raising immunity with the help of multivitamins and natural preparations;
Prevention of recurrence of the disease.

Genital herpes is not a sentence. With an exacerbation of the disease in the last stages of pregnancy, doctors suggest performing a caesarean section.

This is done to avoid infection of the fetus during passage through the birth canal. During the treatment of the disease, it is imperative to follow the recommendations of the doctor so that the baby does not become infected with the virus.

Consequences of the disease

Infection with the herpes virus by a pregnant woman in most cases occurs due to a decrease in immunity. The body undergoes drastic hormonal changes and becomes susceptible to infections.

Infection of a girl's body in the first trimester is the most dangerous and can lead to spontaneous miscarriage.

The formation of the fetus during this period is most active, so the disease can adversely affect the development of the internal organs and systems of the baby.

During the second and third trimesters, the threat of miscarriage and congenital deformities also remains. With the primary infection of a pregnant girl, premature birth or the birth of an inanimate child may occur. If herpes is recurrent (repeated), then these consequences occur in very rare cases.

Preventive measures

Having studied the dangers of herpes on the lips during pregnancy, it is clear that simple precautions should be observed.

Before pregnancy, do tests for ToRCH infection and, if the absence of antibodies is found, get vaccinated. If a girl did not pass the necessary tests before pregnancy, then do it in the early stages of pregnancy, and in the absence of antibodies, it is necessary:

do not come into contact with people infected with the virus, as the infection occurs by airborne droplets;
adhere to the rules of personal hygiene;
harden, but not supercool;
to refuse from bad habits;
adhere to a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the immune system.

Herpes on the lips during pregnancy in most cases is treated successfully. To do this, it is necessary to diagnose it in a timely manner and consult a doctor for recommendations. The help of a doctor is necessary so as not to harm the health of the child!

A little more information about herpes on the lips during pregnancy can be found in the following video.