Cold sores and pregnancy

I get cold sores, especially in the winter.
I am worried that this will be bad for the baby.
Does anyone know?

Re: Cold sores and pregnancy

I usually get cold sores as well, but when I was preggo I didn't get a single one. You might suppress them when preggo. I guess the onlyh thing I could think of is if you touch your mouth, make sure you wash your hands before you go to the bathroom, so it doesn't spread (down there). Good luck!

Re: Cold sores and pregnancy

I got a really bad outbreak when I was pregnant and the doctor told me to be very cautious when wiping yourself after you use the bathroom. Make sure you wash your hands a lot before and after using the toilet since if any of the contagious puss (gross) gets on your hand and then you wipe, it can transfer to your vaginal area. Use good hygiene, try not to touch the sore and if you do, wash your hands vigorously.

Re: Cold sores and pregnancy

Thanks for the responses!
emilain did your doctor say that it would only effect the baby if it spread? But if it stayed on your lip not to worry?
I am just really concerned because I know its caused by a virus.. so I would imagine that would be bad for the baby..
Thanks!

Re: Cold sores and pregnancy

This is a great question! I get cold sores when ever the seasons change, but I never thought about if it would harm the baby or not. I hope they stop now that i'm pregnant.. I cant stand them..Ughhh

I'm going to see if I can find some info on the web about it.. if so, I'll post what I find.

Re: Cold sores and pregnancy

I never even thought of it this way. I know I had one already since pregnant - but I got it from being in the sun and not wearing sunscreen. I got this one right when I got back from my trip to California which of course I forgot to wear lipblock because I wasn't at the beach....I just let it run it's course and didn't think otherwise. I was more concerned about what medicine's I could use to get rid of it quicker. I wound up not using any. I also get them when I am getting sick or stressed out (and work and home has been lately) and I have been meaning to ask my dr about this - thanks for reminding me to!

Re: Cold sores and pregnancy

I was told not to worry about the virus in your body, be more conscious about spread of the virus if the germ was on your hand and you touch another body part. The virus is broought on my stress, chapped lips, etc, so these are not medical causes, they are environmental.