While there is no known cure for herpes, there are some natural therapies women will use (usually after 37 weeks of pregnancy), to discourage a herpes outbreak from happening around the time of their labour and birth. The treatments are usually aimed at preventing an outbreak from starting, or if an outbreak occurs, shortening the time it takes for the sores to heal.
It is not unusual for women who carry the herpes virus to experience an outbreak around a week or two before they go into labour. This may be due to an increase in the intensity of stress and concern, as the due date approaches. In many cases, the labour does not start until the sores have healed. Caregivers often put this down to the woman subconsciously put her body 'on hold', until the outbreak has passed, then relaxing to 'allow' her body to go into labour.
The following are some natural therapies that some women with the herpes virus have used towards the end of their pregnancies. Check with your caregiver before using any of these.
To prevent, or shorten, an outbreak some women will use:
Stress relieving interventions such as:
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Having a well balanced diet with plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates, fresh fruit and vegetables. Including vitamin B rich foods such as whole grains, cereals, wheat germ, seaweed, and spirulina or including a vitamin B supplement. |
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Having some daily physical activity and getting enough sleep. Using rest and relaxation techniques, massage, acupressure, meditation, yoga, counselling if needed. |
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Some herbalists will recommend drinking herbal teas with chamomile, St John's wort, skullcap and passionflower. See your herbalist. |
Immune boosting interventions such as: