HPV and pregnancy/childbirth

[stardust_incarnate]

My second baby is due August 29th. I had my first at home and I feel its very important to bring my second into the world as gently as possible and home works well for this. Also I like for nature to take its course.
My problem is that with this pregnancy I had my first outbreak of genital warts : It happened around my 6th month when I was simultaneously dealing with repressed memories of sexual abuse. Among other stresses.
I have done ample research and am particularly concerned with vertical transmission of the virus to the baby. RRP is a big concern. I understand that the more virus that is present in the vagina increases the risk of transmission as well as the length of time the baby is in the birth canal. Another factor is the length of time between the rupture of membranes and delivery. Because of this I have focused more intensely on nutrition. Another motivating factor for that was realising I was hypoglycemic (after I nearly passed out from low blood sugar..)
I have tried numerous ways to naturally heal myself. Echinacea, Aloe Vera juice taken internally, garlic used as suppositories, aloe vera gel applied externally (helps with inflammation), Vitamin E (which I still apply. I think its helping.. They don't seem to be spreading or growing too much more and the irritation is significantly less.) I am also going to start taking Apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered.. with the "Mother"..) Being a first degree reiki student I give myself and my baby reiki on a daily basis. ..I think thats everything.. I consulted with an OB-gyn for treatment. the only thing he could offer me was laser surgery and I couldn't afford it. His other option is a c-section. The first Ob I saw said they should not be a problem as far as a vaginal birth is concerned and that the risk of vertical transmission is low. My midwife says the same thing. This is very reassuring but after my research, I am nervous and still want to do everything in my power to lessen the chances. Although a c-section would greatly decrease the risk, it does not eliminate it and for this and the risks associated with one I still want a homebirth.
So please!! Any help with this??

Much obliged..
love to all

[candipooh]

Hello you swet thing! welcome to mothering. I hope you can get some answers to your inquiries. Or at the very least some prayers and good vibes


Can't wait to meet that little darling.


Love you!!!!

[zofranland]

i have seen mothers deliver with vaginal warts without any problems. i believe TCA (tricholoroacetic acid i might have botched the spelling) is safe to use during pregnancy to remove the warts. it hurts pretty bad though. it is an acid that burns them off not a laser. definately cheaper method. good luck!

[midwestmeg]

I went through this... but my type of HPV is the cancer causing sort; believe it or not (yeah, not, I wouldn't want to deal with this either) your type is less 'harmful.'

I saw a really agressive doc who started spewing out cancer details and wanted to biopsy and remove the areas immediately... and I was 5 mo pregnant!

I decided to relax, read more and let it wait. It was all fine in the end and 4 months postpartum I had a clean pap.

HPV is a simple virus that most of us have in one form or another. When you're stressed (like pregnancy) the virus is likely to flare up. Just take care of yourself and your body will try to do likewise.

My girlfriend has always had vaginal births and I know her genital warts flare up frequently.

to you... this is hard, I know.

[AugustLia23]

I can't quite help you with your present issue, but wanted to let you know that the TCA isn't too terrible, and worked really well to eliminate the warts. Definitely hurts less than giving birth to a baby. And it works too, so you could get rid of the warts before the birth. I had one outbreak years ago, and have never had another one since.

One thing I do know is that the wrts make your skin less elastic, so it may not be the best idea to go for the vaginal birth if you have a really bad outbreak vaginally.

[stardust_incarnate]

yeah, I've read that about the elasticity. I've been taking herbs like red raspberry leaf throughout pregnancy and I think the vitamin E will help too. The midwife says it shouldn't be a problem as far as the ones inside go, and the ones around the opening and on the outside aren't too terrible. The one doctor that suggested laser surgery said they were pretty extensive; that he only sees cases like mine every 3-4 years. But the other doctor and my midwife (20+ years experience and delivered like 950 babies), although they agree it is extensive, they don't feel it will be a problem. The midwife said she's delivered to a woman who's outbreak was worse than mine. I'm hoping for the best. : Unless the elasticity would interfere with a safe passage, I'm willing to deal with it. Like I said, my main concern is the risk of vertical transmission and RRP with the surgeries and everything. Or getting genital warts herself.
I have my good days and bad days.

I really appreciate all the suggestions and support and I will try the TCA.

Thank you everyone!! (so much!!)

[ZoeyZoo]

I was wondering if you have these risks with HPV without warts? Or is it the warts that cause the potential complications? Is it typically certain strains only?

[AugustLia23]

It's the warts that cause concern. If you don't have an outbreak, it is impossible for your baby to catch them from birth. The stress of pregnancy on the body does increase your risk for having an outbreak. Many people will only have one outbreak in their entire lifetime, but they are still carrying the virus, and can still transmit it to others. That is why HPV is soooo very common.

Only certain strains cause the actual warts, while other strains can cause cancer. There are many different strains.

[ZoeyZoo]

Thanks AugustLia.

For the OP, I just found by accident an article on natural ways to relieve skin problems in pets. The article was called "Skin Problems: Natural Solutions For Your Pet" by Robert Jordan. Robert Jordan is a Homeopathic doctor. I'm sure it would work for humans too.

It said "Parasites and viruses like warts and herpes can be eliminated in most cases by adding to drinking water, one cup of Celandine (common marigold flowers) tea and or apply externally."

Just thought I would share it in case the OP wanted another natural remedy for the outbreak. I hadn't heard of this one before.