What percentage of individuals with recurrent HSV can expect at least one outbreak during pregnancy?

Study for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Qualifying Exam. Explore comprehensive flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Achieve success with confidence!

Individuals with recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections typically experience a significant likelihood of outbreaks during pregnancy. Studies indicate that about 75% of those with a history of recurrent HSV can expect to have at least one outbreak while pregnant. This high probability is attributed to various physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, which can reactivate latent infections or trigger new outbreaks due to factors such as hormonal shifts, stress, and an altered immune response.

The other percentages presented do not reflect the clinical data regarding HSV recurrence during pregnancy accurately. While 30% might seem plausible for some conditions, it underestimates the prevalence of outbreaks for those with a recurrent HSV history. Similarly, the lower options of 50% and 100% do not align with the established rate either, as 100% implies that every individual would experience an outbreak, which is not supported by clinical evidence. Therefore, the estimate of 75% is the most reliable figure based on current knowledge and literature regarding herpes simplex infections in pregnant individuals.

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