When teaching a client about the risk associated with herpes simplex virus during pregnancy, what should the nurse emphasize?

Emphasizing the potential need for a surgical delivery is crucial when discussing the risks associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) during pregnancy. If a pregnant person has an active genital herpes outbreak at the time of delivery, there is a significant risk of transmitting the virus to the neonate during vaginal delivery. This transmission can lead to neonatal herpes, which can have severe consequences for the infant, including neurological damage or even death.

In such cases, a cesarean section, or surgical delivery, is typically recommended to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. This precaution underscores the importance of monitoring the mother’s HSV status as she approaches labor, ensuring that medical staff are prepared to make the necessary decisions to protect both maternal and infant health.

While other factors, such as pain relief strategies or partner testing, may also be relevant in a broader context of managing herpes during pregnancy, the immediate risk of neonatal transmission and the implications for delivery method stand out as the most critical concern in this scenario. Thus, the focus on the potential need for surgical delivery is essential for both the safe outcome of the pregnancy and the well-being of the newborn.