When is a C-section delivery indicated for a mother infected with herpes?

A C-section is indicated for a mother infected with herpes when vesicles are present because they pose a significant risk for transmission of the virus to the baby during a vaginal delivery. When active lesions, or vesicles, are visible in the genital area, there is a high likelihood of the virus being present in secretions that could enter the newborn’s system during the birth process.

The presence of these lesions means that the safest course of action for protecting the baby from being infected with herpes is to perform a Cesarean section. This is a preventative measure to avoid direct contact between the baby and the vaginal herpes lesions, which could lead to neonatal herpes, a serious condition.

In situations where there are no active lesions, a vaginal delivery might be possible, which is why the situation with the mother's symptoms is crucial in making the decision regarding delivery methods. Therefore, having active vesicles is a clear indication for opting for a C-section.