Can Cord Blood Sampling Detect Herpes Virus in Pregnancy?

Umbilical cord blood puncture

Hello Doctor: I am currently 17 weeks pregnant, but I had genital herpes at the anal area about a month before I became pregnant.
The gynecologist at that time did not mention that I should avoid pregnancy after the herpes healed, and later I became pregnant.
During the initial prenatal check-up, this was not included as an out-of-pocket expense.
Later, I found out from other mothers online about some out-of-pocket prenatal check-up items and realized the severity of herpes.
When I discussed my situation with my current prenatal doctor, he said that the ultrasound looks normal, but he cannot guarantee the baby's safety.
I want to undergo amniocentesis and amniotic fluid analysis, but the information I found online indicates that it can only test for chromosomal abnormalities, and my prenatal doctor confirmed this.
I would like to ask if cord blood sampling can detect whether there is an infection with the herpes virus? Thank you, Doctor!

Youzi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, amniocentesis and amniotic fluid analysis may not be very helpful.
It is recommended to consult Professor Ke Chang-Ming at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/11/19

More Info

Cord blood sampling, also known as cord blood collection, is a procedure performed after the birth of a baby to collect blood from the umbilical cord. This blood is rich in stem cells and can be used for various medical purposes, including treating certain diseases. However, when it comes to detecting viral infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), the situation is a bit more complex.

In general, cord blood sampling is not typically used to test for herpes virus infections during pregnancy. The primary purpose of cord blood collection is to obtain stem cells for potential future medical use, such as in stem cell transplants. While it is possible to test for certain infections in the cord blood, standard practices usually focus on more common pathogens that can affect newborns, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, rather than herpes viruses.

Herpes simplex virus can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery, particularly if there are active lesions at the time of birth. If a mother has a history of genital herpes, it is crucial to manage the condition during pregnancy to minimize the risk of transmission. The risk of transmission is highest if the mother has an active outbreak during labor. In cases where a mother has a history of genital herpes but no active lesions, the risk of transmission is significantly lower.

In your case, since you mentioned having genital herpes prior to pregnancy, it is essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend monitoring your condition closely and possibly prescribing antiviral medications during the later stages of pregnancy to reduce the risk of an outbreak during labor. This proactive approach can help protect your baby from potential infection.

Regarding your concerns about whether cord blood sampling can detect herpes virus, it is important to note that while some specialized tests can identify the presence of HSV in blood samples, these are not standard practices for cord blood. If you are particularly concerned about the risk of herpes transmission to your baby, it may be more beneficial to discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of testing for HSV during your pregnancy, rather than relying on cord blood sampling.

In summary, cord blood sampling is not typically used to detect herpes virus infections. If you have concerns about herpes and its potential impact on your pregnancy and your baby, it is crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the most accurate information and guidance tailored to your specific situation, including any necessary testing or preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby.

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