About Herpes Simplex Virus Antenatal Infection
Key Highlights
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Dramatically reduces the risk of transmitting HSV to the newborn baby.Involves a coordinated plan between the obstetrician and patient for safe delivery.Utilizes safe, pregnancy-approved antiviral medications to suppress outbreaks.Helps prevent severe complications like neonatal encephalitis or disseminated infection.Provides peace of mind and clear guidance for expectant mothers with HSV.
Who is this surgery for?
- Pregnant patient with a known history of genital herpes (HSV-2 or HSV-1).
- First-time acquisition of genital herpes during the current pregnancy (primary infection).
- Recurrent genital herpes outbreaks during pregnancy.
- Presence of active genital lesions or prodromal symptoms (tingling, itching) at the onset of labor.
- Asymptomatic shedding of the virus detected via viral culture or PCR testing late in pregnancy.
How to prepare
- Detailed medical history review to document the timing and frequency of HSV outbreaks.
- Possible viral culture or PCR test of any active lesion to confirm HSV type.
- Discussion and prescription of daily suppressive antiviral therapy, typically starting at 36 weeks gestation.
- Education on recognizing prodromal symptoms of an impending outbreak.
- Development of a clear birth plan, emphasizing the need for a Cesarean section if lesions are present at labor.
- Regular prenatal check-ups to monitor for any signs of outbreak.
Risks & possible complications
- Potential side effects from antiviral medication (e.g., headache, nausea).
- Risk of Cesarean section delivery with its associated surgical risks (infection, bleeding, longer recovery).
- Breakthrough HSV outbreak despite suppressive therapy.
- Very low risk of neonatal infection even with management (breakthrough transmission).
- Maternal anxiety or stress related to the diagnosis and management plan.
Recovery & hospital stay
- If a vaginal delivery is possible (no active lesions), recovery is standard postpartum recovery.
- If a Cesarean section is performed, recovery follows standard post-surgical guidelines: pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions.
- Antiviral medication for the mother may be continued postpartum, especially if lesions are present.
- The newborn will be closely monitored for any signs of HSV infection for several weeks.
- Parents will be educated on symptoms of neonatal herpes to watch for at home.
- Follow-up appointments with the pediatrician are crucial for the baby's health assessment.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering herpes simplex virus antenatal infection in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for herpes simplex virus antenatal infection in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform herpes simplex virus antenatal infection. MediFyr helps you compare obstetrics and gynaecologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for herpes simplex virus antenatal infection compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Herpes Simplex Virus Antenatal Infection in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology teams and experience managing patients undergoing herpes simplex virus antenatal infection.
Saanvi Patel, a 32-year-old software engineer,...
Saanvi Patel, a 32-year-old software engineer, was 36 weeks into her first, much-wanted pregnancy. She and her husband had been trying for years. During a routine prenatal visit, she mentioned a tingling sensation and a small, painful cluster of blisters in her genital area. She had experienced one mild episode years prior but hadn't thought much of it. Her obstetrician diagnosed a primary genital herpes outbreak. The doctor explained the serious risk of neonatal herpes if the virus was active during delivery, which could cause severe disability or even be fatal for the baby. She recommended starting a daily suppressive dose of antiviral medication (acyclovir) immediately and planning for a cesarean section if any lesions were present when her water broke or labor began. Saanvi was devastated, feeling she had somehow failed her baby. The treatment was simple, just taking pills, but the emotional weight was heavy. She went into labor at 39 weeks with no active lesions, allowing for a safe vaginal delivery. Her healthy baby boy was born without infection. The relief was overwhelming. Saanvi's journey moved from guilt and terror to profound gratitude and cautious joy, with continued medication to prevent future outbreaks.
Obstetrics and Gynaecologists for Herpes Simplex Virus Antenatal Infection
Explore experienced obstetrics and gynaecologists who regularly perform herpes simplex virus antenatal infection and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
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