The chances of passing herpes to your child depend largely on whether the mother (your wife) has herpes, not whether you do. As the father, you cannot pass HSV directly to the child during pregnancy o...

The risk of passing herpes to your child during childbirth is known as neonatal herpes. This usually occurs if a mother has genital herpes and the virus is active at the time of delivery. The chances are relatively low, but it can have serious consequences for the baby.

To minimize this risk:
1. Inform your healthcare provider about your herpes status early in pregnancy.
2. Discuss with them potential concerns and develop a plan for safe delivery.
3. If an outbreak occurs near labor, discuss options such as cesarean section to reduce transmission risks.

It's crucial to work closely with medical professionals throughout pregnancy to manage any potential risks effectively and ensure a safe outcome for both you and your future child.