The primary risk factor for a pregnant woman delivering via cesarean section due to genital herpes is?

The presence of active lesions at the time of delivery is the primary risk factor for a pregnant woman needing a cesarean section due to genital herpes. When a woman has active herpes lesions in the vaginal area during labor, there is a significant risk of transmitting the virus to the newborn during the delivery process. This transmission can lead to serious complications, including neonatal herpes, which can be life-threatening.

In such cases, a cesarean section is often recommended as a preventive measure to protect the infant from potential exposure to the virus. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the mother’s condition and manage her delivery method based on the presence of these lesions to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Other factors, such as a history of cesarean section, advanced maternal age, or multiple gestation, may have implications for the delivery process but do not carry the same level of immediate risk for viral transmission as active herpes lesions during delivery.