If a woman is diagnosed with genital herpes and years later becomes pregnant, what risks would the fetus face while developing or while giving birth?

Varies: Birth defects are not an issue with maternal herpes. The baby is at risk of a severe infection from the germ.The risk period begins with the opening of the bag of waters if mom is actively shedding the virus during a recognized or silent outbreak.The germ can travel into babies system & lay dormant for a while or immediately cause infection.A c-section before labor starts can avoid the risk.