Abstract： Genital herpes is a viral sexually transmitted disease. The infection of a mother by human herpes simplex (HSV) in pregnancy may result in adverse outcomes and even cause neonatal herpes. Since neonatal infection has a high mortality rate, it has become a major health concern. Genital HSV infections are often subclinical, thus the diagnosis is difficult. PCR, because of its high sensitivity, may replace viral culture as a new diagnostic criterion for HSV infection. Antiviral therapy can efficiently reduce recurrence rate and virus shedding in late pregnancy, so decrease the prevalence of neonatal herpes.