Chickenpox and pregnancy

If you had chicken pox (varicella) as a child (and it’s likely you did, as it’s one of the most common childhood illnesses) you’ll be immune to the illness later so it won’t be a problem for your unborn child.

If you aren’t sure if you’ve had it or not, your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife can check your blood for antibodies.

If you do contract it in pregnancy it can cause birth defects, such as scars, eye problems and mental retardation, particularly if you catch it in late pregnancy. If you haven’t had chickenpox and are exposed to the virus during your pregnancy, tell your caregiver straightaway, as it is possible to give chicken pox antibodies up to 10 days after coming into contact with the virus.

Symptoms of chicken pox

In children, the symptoms usually start with a slight fever and generally feeling unwell. After this, a rash of itchy, red spots appears on the chest, neck, head, arms, legs and stomach. The spots turn into small blisters containing fluid, which eventually burst and scab over in a day or two. New spots might appear for up to a week.

When adults catch this illness, the symptoms are generally more severe. The initial fever may be very intense and all the symptoms acute. If you have already had chicken pox as a child and you have symptoms like it, with an itchy rash and possibly a cough too, you could have shingles, which is a version of the chicken pox virus that has lain dormant inside you for years. Shingles cannot harm your baby.

If you have any unanswered questions, use our answers page to gain wisdom from other parents or our resident experts for all those trying for a baby-related issues or concerns.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 27/06/2008

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