I am currently in the 5th week of pregnancy, a few days ago I had herpes on my lips. It was not the first time, herpes has been appearing regularly on my lips for several years. Opinions about the risk of infection of the fetus posed by this virus vary widely (from the information that only primary infection in pregnancy is dangerous to the fetus, to the opinion that a second infection does not have any effect on the fetus, and also that this is a virus and there is always a risk of fetal damage and death). 1) What are the possible specific malformations that may occur in the fetus due to the occurrence of this virus in pregnancy? 2) Can these defects be detected during ultrasound and at what stage of pregnancy? 3) Do these defects appear in the fetus up to a certain stage of development, or can they also appear at the end of pregnancy? 3) Are there any genetic tests that confirm or rule out possible defects in the fetus caused by this virus, e.g. Nifty test or other? Are there any other tests that can tell if the virus has damaged the fetus?

1. Infection with the herpes virus of the fetal ovum has a variety of consequences and is unpredictable, from death of the embryo / fetus to the absence of any signs of infection. There are possible drawbacks, but no drawbacks inherent in this infection.

2. Visible defects can be detected by ultrasound during pregnancy, and small defects that cannot be seen and infection of the organs can only be detected after birth. The defects can be seen in any ultrasound examination. 3 ultrasound examinations are routinely performed in:

  • 11-14 weeks pregnant
  • week 21-26
  • 27-32 week

However, if necessary, they can be performed every week of pregnancy.

3. Developmental defects depend on which organ develops when the teratogenic factor is triggered.

4. Genetic testing examines the karyotype and the Nifty test only detects a few genetic diseases and is unaffected by herpes infection.

5. The assessment of fetal development is possible only on the basis of ultrasound examinations. Symptoms of herpes infection are present after the baby is born.

Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.

Barbara Grzechocińska

Assistant professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Warsaw. I accept privately in Warsaw at ul. Krasińskiego 16 m 50 (registration is available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

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