pregnancy and chicken pox

[ilovemydogandMrObama]

DD's Reception Teacher told me on Friday there has been several with chicken pox. Am 24 weeks at the moment, although haven't ever had chicken pox.

My GP wanted me tested immediately and went for blood test which showed I am not immune to chicken pox. He spoke to either the virologist or immunologist at the hospital who said they only give the immunity vaccine for direct contact, in other words if either of the DCs get it.

Has anyone ever contracted chicken pox during pregnancy? The risk seems to be less being after 20 weeks, but am still

[nuttyone]

Sounds about right. No need unless your kids get it.
Incubation for chicken pox is 10-20 days. With the Infectious period starting 3 days before the rash until the last one crusts.

The worst times for an unborn baby to get it are just before delivery and before 20 weeks gestation.

If you did contract it, they should consider giving you immunoglobulin (need it within 10 days of exposure i.e as soon as your kids get it. This is because MUMs are often more ill and at risk of severe lung complications

For after the delivery you could always see about getting vaccinated against it.
HTH

[nuttyone]

Sorry. just checked and u can't get the vaccination in the UK.
If you want to read more check out chapter 34 online in the green book of immunizations (just type it into google)

[ilovemydogandMrObama]

Thanks for checking.

[CAS77]

I think you might be able to get this done privately if you really wanted to. Just googled it and found several places in London that offer it privately...

[ilovemydogandMrObama]

Any idea how effective the immunoglobin is as far as preventing the baby getting it?