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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to wonder if I should stop ttc and get the chicken pox jab?

17 replies

RevoltingPeasant · 07/08/2013 16:58

DH and I have just started ttc after waiting aaaages to do so.

My friend who is an experienced mum asked me the other day whether I had had chicken pox. I said no, but pretty sure I am immune: I have 3 siblings who had it and helped to nurse all of them, and we all shared a bedroom. I guess there's a chance I might not be, but I've always been pretty sanguine about it. I have also been exposed to shingles as an adult, with no probs.

Anyhow, my friend suggested that I should get the jab done privately. She said if I by some chance get CP whilst pg, then the baby could be seriously damaged. She suggested that I should do it for peace of mind, as otherwise, when pg I will need to worry about being about small DC, in crowds, etc.

I have researched it a little online and am unsure. We'd need to stop ttc for 3-4 mos from what I can see, and I don't want to delay ttc yet again.

Am I being U or careless by not having it done?

OP posts:

LittleprincessinGOLDrocks · 07/08/2013 17:06

I think you can have your immunity checked. I would contact your GP practice and ask if it is possible to be checked.
If you are not immune it would be worth looking in to being immunised in detail. Not just because it could harm your baby if you caught chicken pox whilst pregnant, but also because catching chicken pox as an adult can be more risky.
You would also have to stay away from your own child if they did get chickenpox. (My dad caught chicken pox from me when I was 5. He was very very sick).

Get your immunity checked then go from there.

ilovechips · 07/08/2013 17:07

It might be cheaper to get your immunity tested than go straight ahead with the vaccine? Just a thought. Your GP might do it, might not but worth checking...

ilovechips · 07/08/2013 17:08

Lol, x post

CruCru · 07/08/2013 18:38

When I was pregnant for the first time they tested me for immunity and I had to take extra precautions as I wasn't immune. I had the vaccine (two doses a month apart) afterwards although it doesn't give you 100% immunity. Apart from anything else, looking after kids when you have chickenpox must be hellish.

Valdeeves · 07/08/2013 18:43

I had it before I concieved the second time as was constantly exposed - it really depends on your job and how exposed you are?

Sallyingforth · 07/08/2013 18:45

This is a question for your GP.

foreverondiet · 07/08/2013 18:47

Get your immunity to measles and rubella checked at the same time!

skyflyer · 07/08/2013 19:45

Have your immunity checked. When I was pregnant I got exposed to a mystery face friends DD had, doctor did an immunity check and found I had none for CP or measles, scared the crap out me and they were taking about giving me steroid injections in case it prompted early labour. I was ok but I wouldn't wish that fear on anyone.

skyflyer · 07/08/2013 19:45

*mystery rash.

3birthdaybunnies · 07/08/2013 19:55

Get your immunity checked, you might already be immune, dd1 had v mild CP but been exposed at least twice since and def immune. I wouldn't have known it was CP if dd2 didn't also have it. Better to check and be sure. You could be exposed anywhere. People are most contagious before the spots show.

TheOnlyPink · 07/08/2013 20:00

A simple blood test can be done at your gp. They do it routinely once you are pregnant.

I never had cp either and like you, had 2 siblings who both had it, been exposed loads of times and never got so much as a scratch. Got my immunity checked when i was pg with Ds1, came back that i was immune. If you have been exposed so many times there's a good chance you're fine!

Original poster

RevoltingPeasant · 07/08/2013 20:22

Hmm thanks all! I thought DFriend was being a little ott but I guess not! Will make an appt with GP :)

OP posts:

Sallyingforth · 07/08/2013 20:28

And good luck with the TTC!

marriedinwhiteisback · 07/08/2013 20:31

Yes you do need to get this checked out. If the mother is immune new born babies carry the mother's anti-bodies and can't catch chicken pox for the first month or two - or if they do it is very mild. If the newborn does not have its mothers antibodies chicken pox is very very serious for a new baby. I'm sorry and donkt want to alarm you but although it was 20 odd years ago, I had a friend who hadn't had cp and the baby caught it from a sibling at two weeks old. Sadly the beby died. Not the answer you wanted but hopefully the snswer that encourages you to sort this out even if it delays ttc!

Pixel · 07/08/2013 21:47

Dd caught chicken pox when I was ttc ds. Our GP immediately took some blood to test my immunity even though I didn't even know if I was pregnant. He seemed a lot more concerned about me than dd tbh so I'm sure your GP would be very happy to put your mind at rest.

poocatcherchampion · 07/08/2013 21:58

Never heard of this! I didn't consider it.

Fourwillies · 07/08/2013 22:13

I've never had CP "properly" and when I told my obstetrician he went a bit grey and ordered an antibody test and as it was I actually did have antibodies so I must have had a mild dose at some point. Good luck ttc!

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