Can you have a baby if you have herpes?

Yes, people with herpes can have a baby. However, if a person has genital herpes, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to the baby during childbirth, which can be a serious health concern.

If a woman has an active outbreak of genital herpes at the time of delivery, there is a higher risk of transmitting the virus to the baby. In some cases, the baby may develop a life-threatening infection called neonatal herpes, which can cause serious health problems or even be fatal.

To reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to the baby, women with genital herpes are often advised to have a planned cesarean section (C-section) delivery. This can help to prevent contact between the baby and any herpes sores or blisters during childbirth.

If you have herpes and are planning to have a baby, you must talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage the condition during pregnancy and childbirth. They can guide medication options, safe delivery practices, and other strategies to reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to the baby.