Neonatal herpes (herpes in a newborn baby)

How can neonatal herpes be prevented?

If you're pregnant and have a history of genital herpes, tell your doctor or midwife.You may need to take medication during thelast month of pregnancy to prevent an outbreak of vaginal sores during labour.

Delivery bycaesarean section is recommended if the genital herpes has occurred for the first time in the last six weeks of your pregnancy.

If you developa cold sore or think you're coming down with a herpesinfection, take these precautions:

don't kiss any babies
wash your hands before contact with a baby
wash your hands before breastfeeding and cover up any cold sores to avoid accidentally touching your mouth and then breast this is enough to transfer the virus

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for neonatal herpes (herpes in a newborn baby)

Introduction

NHS Choices information on neonatal herpes (herpes in newborn babies), with links to other useful resources.

How doesa newborn baby catch herpes?

During pregnancy and labour A newborn babyis at risk of catching herpes ifthe mother had genital herpes for the first time within the last six weeks of her pregnancy. There's a risk the mother will

What are the warning signs in babies?

Because newborn babies have underdeveloped immune systems, they can quickly become seriously ill after catching the virus. A newbornbaby infected with herpes may: become lacking in energy (listless

Whatshould you do if you think your baby has it?

Contact your GPor midwife as soon as possible if your baby has any of the above symptoms and you're worried. You may be advised to take your baby to your nearest accident and emergency department . N

How serious is herpes for a baby?

Sometimes neonatal herpes will only affect the baby's eyes, mouth or skin. In these cases, most babies will make a complete recovery with antiviral treatment. However, the condition is much more seri