Question on Valtrex
 

Ok, my wife is 8 1/2 months pregnant and currently is not having an outbreak of herpes (we were one of the unfortunate few that were able to spread oral herpes to the genitals). The doctor is insinuating that she should start taking Valtrex to prevent (to the extent possible) an outbreak while she delivers. However, she (the doctor) admits that there are no studies that show the potential risk to the development of the child should she start taking the medication in the remaining month of her pregnancy. Has anyone out there run across this, as she is starting to freak out about what to do.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Nemo, if your wife isn't having a current outbreak, I would not start the medication. It is pregnancy class B, meaning that no animal babies had problems, but it hasn't been studied on human babies.
The risk, is that during a vaginal delivery if a mom has "ACTIVE" herpes, it is very dangerous for the baby. Most will go straight to c-section if that is the case.

However, just having a history of herpes or even an outbreak during early pregnancy is not a cause for going on medication or c-section at the time of delivary.

If you wife gets an outbreak during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy, the obviously call your doctor. Valtrex should then be started since the risk to the baby is very low.

Dont panic, this situation happens alot in practice.

Yes....I'd listen to your doctor or find another one. Sometimes the pros know best and second opinions are a good thing, just to help you feel better if nothing else.