What is a significant risk during delivery for a mother with active herpes lesions?

The significant risk during delivery for a mother with active herpes lesions is the potential for infection transmission to the baby. When a mother has active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery, there is a direct path for the herpes virus to be transmitted to the newborn during the birthing process. This can lead to neonatal herpes, which is a serious condition that can result in severe complications, including neurological damage and potentially fatal outcomes for the infant.

The severity of this risk emphasizes the need for careful assessment and management of mothers with herpes during pregnancy and delivery. Preventive measures, such as cesarean delivery if lesions are present, may be recommended to minimize the risk of transmission. Other options mentioned, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly address the critical concern of viral transmission during delivery.