Herpesvirus infections in pregnancy: risks to embryo, fetus, and neonate

Gestational herpesvirus infections can significantly alter the outcome of pregnancy. Potential hazards to the embryo, fetus, or neonate are numerous and depend on several variables, including the specific virus involved, gestational timing of infection, and whether the infection is primary or recurrent in nature. This article reviews the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of maternal, fetal, and neonatal herpesvirus infections, methods for establishing an accurate etiologic diagnosis, and prevention strategies, including prospects for prenatal diagnosis of these infections.