One week away from C section and 13th the old has chicken pox

[Loulou377]

Hi, I really didn’t know where to post this so sorry it’s probably not in the correct category. Im looking to see if anyone else has had experience of chicken pox in late pregnancy as my doctor I feel has given me Wishy washy advice and I’m concerned - maybe I should ask to speak to another doctor….

my 13 month old toddler has had spots arrive on his back this morning, they have been confirmed as chicken pox. He’s well in himself at the moment so fingers crossed he doesn’t get it badly. My concern is I’m 38 weeks pregnant and booked in for an elective c section in one weeks time. I had chicken pox as a child so don’t expect to catch it (although I’ve not been offered an anti body test to check for sure). My biggest concern is exposing the newborn to it. Has anyone else been in this position? Any advice welcome! Thanks

Speak to your midwife but I’d think you’ll be ok. You’re highly unlikely to get it if you already had it. And you 13 month old may well not be contagious in 9 days time (a week plus a day or two in hospital).

Who is looking after your child while you are in hospital, and could they hold onto him/ her for another couple of days just in case?

Sounds stressful, good luck.

Thank you for your reply. You’re right worst case scenario my mum and partner could look after my toddler for an extra few days if needed although I’d miss him terribly! Not the best timing but these things can’t be helped. Just hope he doesn’t get it too badly :(

DC 3 had the pox when I went in for the section for DC4, I was under consultant care for other reasons but they weren't worried in the slightest as I had had it as a child and also DC3 was already starting to scab over

We had this when ds3 was born - except that we didn't know that ds1 was brewing chickenpox when I went into labour with ds3. Ds1 and ds2 went off to stay with friends while I had ds3, and when they came back, ds1 had a scab on his ribs. I thought nothing of it, until the spots started popping up, by which time it was too late, and ds2 and ds3 had both been exposed to it (as had the friends who had looked after them - an excellent way to thank them for looking after the boys ).

First ds2 and then ds3 went down with it - ds3 was about a month old when he got it, poor thing. He wasn't really ill with it - just hot, spotty and miserable - so even if your baby does get it, @Loulou377, it needn't be the end of the world. I was breastfeeding ds3, and I assume that this, plus any antibodies he got from me, helped to make it a mild case of chickenpox.

I believe, though might be wrong, that if you are immune, then your baby also has some immunity for the first few months.

Watch out that DS3 could get it again, my sibling had it at 4 months (mildly) then again at about 4 years (also mildly), and we were told that was quite common when they’d had it so young. I suppose some of their immunity was ‘borrowed’ first time round.

Check with midwife but yes, baby should have your immunity. DD caught it when DD2 was 6 weeks old and we didn't really keep her away and she didn't catch it.

According to the NHS website, once scabs have formed its not contagious anymore, which is approximately 5 days after the spots appear.

My little boy had this two days after I gave birth. Midwife said that the baby has immunity from the mum for a few months. And even better immunity if breastfeeding.

Thanks for all your replies - mind at ease!

@Loulou377 hello, hope you're doing well! I. In this exact same situation. Timing and everything! Just wondering what the outcome was?