Q

I am 34 years old and three years ago, I had genital herpes and genital warts, which were treated and have not recurred. I have, however, had several blisters on my lip and I understand the virus always remains in the body. Can I have a healthy pregnancy?


A

You are correct that these viruses might still be present in the body. Even if no symptoms are obvious, transmission to partner or baby is still possible but highly improbable.

It is true that stress, and sometimes pregnancy, may cause a recurrence, but these viruses tend to "burn themselves out," and you may never have another relapse.

If you do have a documented genital herpes outbreak at term, a cesarean would be done. Active herpes does pose a substantial risk of infection to the baby, which could result in significant neurological impairment and even death.

If you have active warts at the time of the birth, these have been shown to present some risk of laryngeal warts (in the throat) of the newborn or, if they get large enough, could occlude the birth canal, but again, these complications are very rare.

I would enter pregnancy secure in the fact that a healthy pregnancy and baby are the most likely outcomes. Get a preconception visit from a provider (nurse-midwives are very open to such a visit), make certain all your immunizations are up to date, start noting cervical-mucus changes and keeping a record of your last menses and start a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. I wish you the best.