Can a newborn be born with herpes?

Yes, a newborn can be born with herpes, but it's not as common as you might think. This is called congenital herpes. It happens when the baby is infected with the herpes virus during pregnancy or during delivery.

Here's what you should know:

* Most common type: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the type that causes cold sores, but herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the type most commonly associated with genital herpes. Both can be passed to a baby.

* Transmission: The baby can be infected during pregnancy if the mother has a herpes outbreak, or during delivery if the mother has an active outbreak or even if she is carrying the virus but doesn't have an outbreak.

* Symptoms: Babies born with herpes may have no symptoms, but some may develop serious symptoms like skin blisters, brain problems, seizures, or even death.

* Prevention: There are steps pregnant women can take to reduce the risk of their baby being born with herpes. These include:

* Avoiding close contact with people who have herpes outbreaks.

* Getting treated for herpes outbreaks during pregnancy.

* Having a Cesarean delivery if there is an active outbreak at the time of labor.

It's important to note that:

* Not all mothers with herpes will pass it on to their babies.

* Most babies born with herpes are perfectly healthy.

* There are treatments available for babies who do develop herpes.

If you have any concerns about herpes during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand your risks and make the best decisions for you and your baby.

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