Final answer:
If a pregnant patient has genital herpes, antiviral medication is prescribed, and a cesarean section may be performed to prevent transmission to the infant during birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a pregnant patient has genital herpes, close monitoring and management are essential. Pregnant women with genital herpes are typically prescribed antiviral medication during the last month of pregnancy to reduce the risk of an outbreak during birth. This is important because an active herpes outbreak at the time of delivery increases the risk of transmitting the virus to the newborn. Such antiviral medications include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. If there is an active outbreak or high risk of transmission during delivery, a cesarean section (C-section) may be performed to prevent HSV transmission to the infant, as neonatal herpes can result in serious complications or death.
In cases where the herpes virus is known to be present in the genital tract at the time of delivery, option 'c' Perform cesarean section is considered to prevent neonatal transmission. In the absence of active lesions or other risk factors, normal vaginal delivery may still be encouraged if deemed safe by the healthcare provider. The course of treatment must be tailored to the individual patient's circumstances and in accordance with healthcare provider's recommendations.