What it is
It is treated with antiviral medicine in hospital.
Telling your midwife about genital herpes, and people with cold sores not kissing newborn babies, helps prevent it.
Common signs
- Being irritable or very sleepy
- Not feeding
- High temperature
- Blisters or sores on the skin, eyes or mouth
- Breathing problems
How it is usually diagnosed
- Swabs and blood tests
- Lumbar puncture
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Pregnancy notes about herpes
- Baby test results
- Hospital discharge letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will I need antiviral medicine late in pregnancy?
- Does the birth plan need to change?
- What should visitors with cold sores do?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A newborn who is floppy, very sleepy, not feeding, has a fever or new blisters: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.