Are there any women out there who have history of genital herpes who gave vaginal birth successfully?

Hi just want to know how your vaginal birth was and if the baby was fine. Ive done alot of research and im still worried. Ive had the virus now for almost five years and i started my valtrex almost two weeks ago. Im 37 weeks now. I had two small episodes of prodomes in the last two weeks b/c of a tooth abscess i developed which is now resolved. I feel fine now and im taking my meds. I want to hear from women who have had successful vaginal births meaning their babies didnt catch it. I know now the risks are low but its still possible. Im still going to consider a c-section but im opting for vaginal more than anything b/c i dread the fact of a csection. I had my first son vaginally b/c i didnt have the virus back then. Hope to hear from many women on this topic

It's interesting that you've posted this question today; a woman who I know was just telling me about her vaginal deliveries without transference of the disease to her daughters (3). She's had vaginal herpes for 15 years and only gone on Valtrex this year. All of her children have been born during years in which she had no treatment for the disease.

I guess she was lucky because she had no breakouts during the times that she went into labor, which increases the chances of passing the disease to the children.

The girls seem perfectly fine to me, but then again, I have no knowledge of their medical histories and only what she discloses.

I am not an expert and dont have this issue, but isnt there a high risk of your baby having health issues and catching the virus, didnt you have a discussion with your doctor at your first prenatal visit, b/c I am sure you knew at that visit you had herpes, I know you want to give birth vaginally, but if its gonna pose any risk to your child I think you should definitely consider a c-section

Check with you doctor about the best course of action for you and your child. I have heard of women who have had children vaginally with no problems, and I have heard of women who opted for the C-section.

Good Luck! I think it is a decision best made with your significant other and doctor.

I dont really have anything to say. I dont have it, I do have 2 children. Are you still with the person that gave it to you? That sucks, hate to be nosey just curious.

My moms friend had 2 babies and she does have genital herpes. The OBGYN that delivered her will not do vaginal deliveries when a mother has herpes even without a break out because you can still spread it without a break out, he said it is way to risky. The risks are actually higher according to her OBGYN, he said it can take awhile for signs to show up but most newborns born vaginally to woman with genital herpes have developed atleast a mild case of it before they hit teen years but really i don't know any more than what that Dr told my moms friend. Once you have the virus it is there for life there is no cure even the treatments will not necessarily prevent you from spreading it to others because you can spread it with no signs of a breakout.

There is less chance for the baby to get the virus if there's no outbreak, but even with suppression drugs, it can still happen, even if there's no outbreak. I've seen 2 women have vaginal births with the virus and not pass it on to the baby, but for most of the women I see in the hospital having vaginal births with the virus, their baby unfortunately contracts it. I advise all women with the virus who are expecting to have a c-section, it's not worth the risk to possibly infect your baby with an incurable disease for its whole life, it's just kind of selfish, and I am not trying to make you feel bad, i am just trying to give sound advice.