[Genital herpes in pregnancy. Time for new advice?].

This article surveys recent literature on genital herpes. In cases of active primary genital herpes, Caesarean section should be performed if delivery is possible within 4 to 6 hours after rupture of the membranes. There is no indication for repeated viral cultures or Caesarean section in patients with recurrent herpes or asymptomatic disease if there are no lesions at the time of delivery and the patient is without symptoms. With recurrent infections the risk of neonatal infection is low after vaginal delivery even if the mother is shedding virus at the time of birth, and vaginal delivery can be allowed even if the mother has lesions. In such instances, however, the neonate must be observed closely. Virus cultures must be prepared, and, if the virus is isolated, treatment with acyclovir should be started.