The results of the latest research highlight that drugs to treat herpes, which include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, have no risk of birth defects if consumed in the first trimester of pregnancy.

The study undertaken by Copenhagen scientists has established that Acyclovir, which was most commonly prescribed for the treatment of herpes, had no connection with the major birth defects risk. Further, it was found that famciclovir, which is one of the antiviral drugs, was not prescribed very frequently.

Commenting on the research results, the authors said, "Future research on antiherpetic antivirals and mother-child health should include safety studies with regard to spontaneous abortion and preterm birth, and during breastfeeding".

Based on the results, the authors recommended acyclovir, as the preferred drug that should be taken in early pregnancy. The same was based on the lack of suffice date for famciclovir and valacyclovir.

The Copenhagen scientists, in the study, examined the birth registries for any birth defects of 837,795 infants, who were born between January 1996 and September 2008 in Denmark. They examined the data to check the link between the birth defects and antiviral medications that were used by the women during the first three months of their pregnancy.

Post making adjustments for the other factors, it was concluded by the authors that there was a possibility that the intake of herpes drugs did not elevate the risk of birth defects.