Genital herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy

In this review, we discuss genital herpes - a common sexually transmitted infection, which can be transmitted to the baby during birth. Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious infection. In 2019, the Danish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology revised the guideline for management of genital herpes in pregnancy. Recommendations include antiviral therapy from gestational week 36 in case of primary- or recurrent infection in current pregnancy. Delivery by cesarean section is recommended in case of primary infection in the third trimester. Women with recurrent herpes can deliver vaginally, as risk of neonatal infection is low.