What is the preferred delivery method for a mother in active labor with active genital herpes lesions?

The preferred delivery method for a mother in active labor with active genital herpes lesions is cesarean delivery. This approach is recommended because the presence of active lesions increases the risk of transmitting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) to the newborn during a vaginal delivery. Neonates born to mothers with active herpes lesions may face serious complications, including neonatal herpes, which can be life-threatening.

A cesarean delivery helps to minimize the risk of direct exposure to the virus as the infant is delivered through surgical means rather than the birth canal, where contact with the lesions would occur. When active lesions are identified, this preventive measure is crucial to ensure the health and safety of the newborn. This protocol is aligned with guidelines from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which stress the importance of cesarean delivery in such circumstances to lower the risk of transmitting the virus.