Viral STDs And Pregnancy

HPV And Genital Warts

HPV, the human papilloma virus, is a very common sexually transmitted virus. Around half of all sexually active people will end up with some of the 40 strains of genital HPV. Only a few of these are associated with genital warts or an increased risk of cervical cancer. Many people who carry a strain that can cause genital warts have no symptoms, though warts can show up even years after infection — especially during times when the immune system is weakened, like during pregnancy. It is probably safe to assume that everyone knows what warts look like. Genital warts can be big or small, and often appear in clusters. In women, they can appear on the vulva, in the vagina, on the cervix and near the anus. 

Risks During Pregnancy

Women who have genital warts during pregnancy have a few things to consider. Genital warts can be small, but can grow so large that they obstruct the birth canal in rare cases. Some doctors prefer to perform a c-section on women who have genital warts around their due date to prevent transmitting HPV to the baby. This has not been proven to be effective, however — vertical transmission is possible even if a pregnant woman with genital warts has a cesarean, and it is not currently clear how this transmission happens. 

There is a small risk that a baby born to a mother who had genital warts during pregnancy can end up with genital warts, though this chance is very small. Genital warts can affect an infant's throat, potentially causing breathing problems.

Treatment

Some of the topical medications that are used to destroy genital warts are not compatible with pregnancy, because they can lead to birth defects. Laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing) are the best options for treating genital warts during pregnancy. The growths may recur, however, necessitating repeat treatment.

Genital Herpes

Herpes is caused by herpes simplex viruses. There are two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically results in cold sores on the mouth, while HSV-2 is usually responsible for genital sores. It is interesting to note that both types can cause sores either near the mouth, or on the genitals.

Risks During Pregnancy

Studies show that one in four pregnant women carry genital herpes, though they may not be aware of it. It is the primary outbreak, after the virus was first caught, that is most dangerous. Up to half of all women who first acquire genital herpes during pregnancy would transmit the virus to their baby during a vaginal birth. In rare cases, herpes is also transmitted to the baby in utero.

Newborn herpes is extremely dangerous. The virus can affect the baby's whole body — it can lead to brain infections, and can affect the eyes, liver, kidneys and lungs. In some cases, systemic newborn herpes can be fatal. In other words, this is a disease to take very seriously.

Treatment

Primary outbreaks of genital herpes early on in pregnancy can be treated with antiviral medications, most commonly acyclovir. If genital sores are present around the time of delivery, a cesarean section is the best course of action. Newborns who are infected with herpes are also treated with acyclovir, topically or through an IV.

It is important to note that it isn't just genital herpes that poses a risk. Parents who have active oral herpes when their baby is tiny should avoid spreading the virus to their baby at all costs. Don't kiss your baby, wash your hands very frequently, and consider wearing a surgical mask until your cold sore goes away to prevent accidental contact.