Chicken pox and pregnancy

[Alb1]

I'm 26 weeks pregnant and DS has developed chicken pox, I had them as a child and so wasn't worried but so many people have told me it's really risky and I should see my doctor etc, but I don't understand why.

Does anyone no if I've missed something, why are chicken pox risky even though I've already had them?

[Xmasbaby11]

It's only risky if you haven't had it. You've had it so you're immune.

[WishUponAStar88]

No you're right it's only if you're not immune that there's a risk

[dementedpixie]

It's not really as chances are you are immune as you had it already. You could get your immunity checked though if you are worried

[savagehk]

What they said ^ :) Only an issue if you've not had it before.

[Sweetpotatoaddict]

I think you are supposed to get your immunity to cp checked if you are pregnant and have close contact with someone with the virus. Even if you know that you had chicken pox previously.

[Sweetpotatoaddict]

Just looked at the nhs guidelines and you're right if you've had them previously there's no need to do anything. Guidelines have changed since I was last pregnant, sorry.

[Frazzled2207]

Don't think you need to worry but worth getting your immunity checked via gp, I did. Some people do get it twice if not made properly immune the first time.
If you're not immune then you will be given antivirals.

[Emma2803]

In Northern Ireland chicken pox is screened for at your booking in bloods, is that the same everywhere? Results will be in maternity notes if it is.

[ILikeSalmon]

I know this-

1. it's only risky to you if you've never had it
   
   
2. it's only risky to your baby if it is born- if it is born today you must keep them apart for 5 days
   (I know this becuase no.2 happened to me)

[Lunalovepud]

Hi OP - I am 19 weeks and DC1 has the pox at the moment.

My GP told me not to worry as like you, I had it as a child and am immune.

People will tell you it is risky etc because it is potentially dangerous if you are pregnant and haven't had it, and because they are confused by the information or just love a bit of drama.

Honestly, as long as you had them as a child there is no risk to you or your baby. Apart from the wailing / scratching DS and the fact that you are pregnant and so can't prescribe yourself some gin/wine for the stress, there is really and honestly nothing to worry about.

[Alb1]

Thanks everyone il relax again.

As for DS he hasn't even noticed he's got them yet, they don't itch or anything just yet, so I'm just quietly waiting for the trouble to start...

[Lunalovepud]

Vira soothe, Calpol NOT Nurofen (Nurofen can make it worse) calamine lotion and oat baths. Good luck - hopefully he'll have a mild dose of it!

[JOMH1982]

I was in exactly the same position at Christmas, about 20 weeks pregnant and daughter caught them. I'd had it before and shingles twice before, but I spoke to my consultant about it and he was not worried about it xx