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Obstetrics1 paper

Latent genital herpes simplex during pregnancy

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy is a significant concern due to the risk of transmission to the fetus and newborn 1. The prevalence of HSV-2 infection among women of childbearing age in the United States is substantial, and genital herpes can also be caused by HSV-1 1.

Diagnosis

Management

  • For women with a primary or nonprimary first-episode genital HSV infection during the third trimester, cesarean delivery may be offered due to the possibility of prolonged viral shedding 1.

    • Special Populations

    Pregnancy

  • Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy poses a risk to the developing fetus and newborn 1.
  • The prevalence of HSV-2 infection among 14- to 49-year-old females in the United States is 15.9% 1.
  • Genital herpes can be caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 1.
  • For women with a primary or nonprimary first-episode genital HSV infection during the third trimester, cesarean delivery may be offered due to the possibility of prolonged viral shedding 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • For women with a primary or nonprimary first-episode genital HSV infection during the third trimester of pregnancy, cesarean delivery may be offered due to the possibility of prolonged viral shedding. (Evidence: Expert opinion)

    • References

    1 . Management of Genital Herpes in Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletinacog Practice Bulletin, Number 220. Obstetrics and gynecology 2020. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Management of Genital Herpes in Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletinacog Practice Bulletin, Number 220. Obstetrics and gynecology (2020)
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