Management of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection for the Pregnant Woman

Caroline Paquet, RM, MSc Marc Steben, MD, CCFP, FCFP

ABSTRACT
Given the prevalence of genital herpes simplex virus infection in childbearing women and the serious consequences of genital herpes transmission to the newborn during delivery, optimal management of genital herpes during pregnancy is justified. Prevention and health promotion, continuity of care and the participation of the woman and her partner in care are key elements for optimal management of the pregnant woman with genital herpes. Appropriate management of serodiscordant couples must include screening tests for the pregnant woman with a partner who is a HSV-2 carrier, proven diagnosis and individualized prenatal preventive measures. Optimising preventive measures should bring about a reduction of genital lesions at the time of delivery and consequently reduce the number of cases of neonatal herpes and of transfers of care from midwife to physician.

KEYWORDS
herpes simplex virus, midwife, prenatal care, prevention

This article has been peer reviewed.