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Yes. Herpes is spread only when the virus is actively shedding, which is commonly seen in symptomatic patients. Herpes is spread by skin contact and thus is usually not transmitted to the child in utero because of this, however there is a small risk of spread during vaginal delivery as the child's body comes into contact with the mothers genitalia. Several studies have shown that the percentage of babies who acquire neonatal herpes from mothers who have no active lesions at delivery is exceedingly small. For preventive measures in women who are symptomatic with herpes infection during pregnancy, antiviral drugs like acyclovir can be given after 36 weeks of gestation to limit viral production and risk of transmission. Cesarean delivery can also prevent vertical transmission of herpes to the child during birth in women with active genital lesions.

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14y ago

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