Issues and management of herpes in pregnancy

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy poses a significant risk to the developing fetus and newborn. In the United States, the incidence of this sexually transmitted disease has increased since 1970. Since many women of childbearing age are infected or are becoming infected, the risk of maternal transmission of this virus to the fetus or newborn is a major health concern. This review defines the stages of herpetic infection, outlines the spectrum of maternal and neonatal infection, including rates of transmission and risks, and provides management guidelines that have been validated by appropriately conducted outcome-based research.