being in contact with chicken pox - dangerous??

[mckenzie]

hi all

I've just found out that the little girl who I spent the afternoon with has just come out with chicken pox. I'm 31 weeks pregnant and another pregnant friend was with us who is just 4 months pregnant.
I'm pretty sure that it's only potentially dangerous at the very beginning of the pregnancy.

Can anyone confirm this please?
Thanks in advance.

[SnowmAngeliz]

I THINK it's at the very beginning and the evry end of pregnancy that it's a bit of a worry.

[zebra]

there is a tiny risk, I'm sorry to say. See this NCT advice .

[mckenzie]

thanks all. It seems that my friend who is 4 months is slightly at risk but I should be okay as I'm over 7 months. Although i never had it as a child apparently.
I think we'll both call our doctors/midwives tomorrow to make sure.
We'd have to be very unlucky to have caught it today as we were only together for a few hours and I dont think either of us touched the little girl in question (although my 3 year old DS did have a big farewell snog with her!!!)

[GeorginaA]

mckenzie - if you haven't had it as a child, get in contact with your GP first thing tomorrow morning - you will have a blood test taken to check your antibody levels - most people are immune even if they don't realise they had it as a child.

However, if you aren't, you can be given an injection (blood antibody product thing) to prevent you getting it or minimize the infection. THIS IS FAIRLY TIME CRITICAL (within 3 days of exposure I think from memory) - SO DO PUSH FOR THIS!

As others have said the risk is small for the baby at your stage of pregnancy, but getting chickenpox as an adult isn't pleasant and as a pregnant woman can be even worse. Worth seeing the GP for

[mckenzie]

thanks GeorginaA. I'll call first thing tomorrow.

[bubsylocket]

Hi McKenzie

Quite a worry for you. My niece came out in chicken pox whilst I was 4 months with my dd and when I contacted my GP - she said that even though I had not had it as a child that it is only dangerous in early stages up to 4 months. Also, from reading my medical book, it is most contagious 2 weeks before spots appear. Still check with your GP. I am sure you will be fine and at least have your mind put at rest.