Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy poses a signi
ficant risk to the developing fetus and newborn. In the United States, the
incidence of this sexually transmitted disease (STD) has increased signific
antly since 1970 (1). Because many women of childbearing age are infected o
r are becoming infected, the risk of material transmission of this virus to
the fetus or newborn is a major health concern. The purpose of this docume
nt is to define the stages of herpetic infection, outline the spectrum of m
aternal and neonatal infection, including rates of transmission and risks,
and provide management guidelines that have been validated by appropriately
conducted outcome-based research. Additional guidelines based on consensus
and expert opinion also are presented to permit a review of most clinical
aspects of HSV.