Has anybody had chickenpox whilst pregnant

[CHUNKYMUNKEY]

I have just found out i am pregnant (almost 5 weeks) and have got chickenpox. I have seen two GP's whom have said different things, one has said not to worry, the risk is very small, the other was all doom and gloom and basically hinted to think about termination. Has anyone any information they could share with me. I am very worried now. Thanks.

[Taichimum]

I think you should ring NHS direct. I have checked up on this recently myself and on the NHS direct website it says the following:

'If the woman hasn?t had chickenpox before or is unsure if she has, she should see her GP to be tested for it. If this shows she hasn?t had chickenpox and has no antibodies, then chickenpox antibodies can be given. This is best given within 4 days (but can be given up to 10 days) of coming into contact with the virus.
Catching chickenpox when pregnant can also be dangerous to the unborn baby. If you catch it within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy there?s about a 1 in 50 chance of the baby having an abnormality. This could be brain damage, birth defects involving the arms and legs, digestive or genito-urinary problems, eye infections, scarring of the skin, or poor growth. There is also a small chance of the mother miscarrying. The risk is highest if you have chickenpox between the 13th and 20th week.
'

Looks like you could do with chicken pox antibodies. See what NHS direct say and then go back to docs armed with correct info. They may recommend going to A &E instead.

Good luck and try not to panic.

[CHUNKYMUNKEY]

Thanks Taichimum, my GP says it wouldn't be worth doing the antiviruls now as i have the pox and there could be a risk in giving the antiviruls to me now anyway. I will just have to wait for my scan at 11 weeks.

[Taichimum]

Poor you. Fingers crossed for you

[Notquitegrownup]

My mil had chickenpox quite badly at a very early stage like you, when carrying my dh. Both he and she were fine.

at the gp hinting at a termination for you. Even reading the NHS direct quote (and they have to describe every possible problem) the risks are still tiny.

Hoping that you can find a way to focus on what the first GP said. How are you anyway? Chickenpox is not fun.

[CHUNKYMUNKEY]

Thanks for the messages. I have been looking on the net and there is a 1 per cent chance of risks to the baby which seems very low to me. The GP who told me not to worry also took advice of a gynacologist at my local mat unit who also said don't worry but obviously i am. Thanks for the info about your MIL NQGU that is reassuring. It will be hard trying to be patient for the scan. On the plus side after feeling pretty bad for the last few days i am feeling much better just horrified by the boils and driven mad by the itching.

[Notquitegrownup]

Poor you! Chicken pox can be ghastly (I had it badly as an adult.)

Make sure that you get lots and lots of rest, even when you seem better. I had thousands of spots over the first two weeks but was exhausted for two more weeks after that a needed a lot of rest. (I was told afterwards that chicken pox can be a bit of a risk to the adult's heart if they don't rest. I can believe it! I felt sooo weak afterwards.)

You should soon be over the worst, so it's just a case of lots and lots of tlc - lots of nice long baths helped me too. (Did you get spots inside your mouth/throat? I found jelly made with real grapes was lovely, if so.)

[weddingcake]

My sister had chicken pox whilst pregnant with my nephew (can't remember at what stage but will ask her when we next speak). He is now a healthy 22 year old.

You poor thing though - chicken pox is miserable enough without this extra worry. Get well soon xx