Can cold sores harm the baby?

Herpes labialis in pregnancy does not pass to the baby and does not harm her health, but must be treated as soon as it appears to prevent the virus from passing into the woman's intimate region, causing genital herpes, a more serious type of disease that can contaminate the baby.

Herpes labialis in pregnancy is normal, because a weakening of the pregnant woman's immune system occurs which leads to the appearance of the herpes sore in the mouth, which can itch and hurt.

Cold sore wound

Treatment of cold sores in pregnancy

The treatment of cold sores in pregnancy can be done with antiviral ointments or oral antiviral medications, such as Aciclovir, Valacyclovir or Famciclovir, for example, under the indication of the obstetrician who accompanies the pregnancy, as there is no consensus on the use of these drugs during pregnancy.

However, the pregnant woman can resort to an alternative treatment for cold sores with propolis extract to relieve the inflammation and heal the wound, placing 2 to 3 drops in the wound until it disappears, as the propolis extract has anti-inflammatory, healing and antivirals.

It is also important to remember that if the pregnant woman has a cold sore wound after delivery, she should avoid kissing the baby and always wash her hands before touching him to prevent transmission of the virus.

Genital herpes in pregnancy

Although cold sores are not dangerous during pregnancy, having genital herpes during this stage of life can cause problems such as on board and delays in the baby's development.

This is because the genital herpes virus can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy through the placenta or at delivery, if there are active herpes lesions in the intimate region. The danger also increases especially when the virus is contracted early or late in pregnancy, and is not treated early. Here's how to treat genital herpes.