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Children's health

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Original poster

Does this look like chicken pox? Also I’m pregnant so need advice if so!

20 replies

BessieBye · 07/04/2025 21:06

DD age 3, girl in her nursery was off with CP last week so I’ve been on edge about them ever since. Especially since she’s been throwing tantrums last week/10 days which is out of character for her.

please do these look like CP? Zoomed in pics as they’re on her bum/top of legs. Noticed tonight after bath time, 3 hours later they’re still there.

also I am 7 weeks pregnant, do I need to contact GP/midwife if I have already had them as a child? Think my mum is worrying more than me!!

Does this look like chicken pox? Also I’m pregnant so need advice if so!
Does this look like chicken pox? Also I’m pregnant so need advice if so!
Does this look like chicken pox? Also I’m pregnant so need advice if so!
OP posts:
Mumoftwo2022 · 07/04/2025 21:12

No if you have already had them you will be immune and there is no risk. My little girl had them when I was 12 weeks pregnant but didn’t need to do anything as already had them as a kid

Sunshineclouds11 · 07/04/2025 21:12

Your ok if you've had them

Fastingandhungry · 07/04/2025 21:14

Not sure but just to say it’s a myth you can only get chicken pox once.

Sorkh · 07/04/2025 21:14

They do look a bit like the start of CP. But if you've had them already there's no risk.

joanofaardvark · 07/04/2025 21:17

When I was exposed to chicken pox at under 12 weeks pregnant I asked my GP as I couldn’t get a satisfactory answer from online research. My GP advised that although I had had chicken pox as a child, it wasn’t guaranteed that I would have immunity. They sent me for a blood test - if antibodies were not found they would have offered me the vaccine.
This was nearly 14 years ago and the NHS has gone to shit since then, so advice may not be as cautious but I would speak to your Dr/midwife/111/whoever you’ll get the quickest answer from.

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 07/04/2025 21:23

Yeah it's ok if you've already had them. But yes, they do look like chicken pox. Check again tomorrow.

The best advice I got for chicken pox was dose calpol by weight if your child is struggling and they are high centile. We couldn't keep DS's temp down until we were gave him the appropriate dose for his weight. It's also how they dose calpol in France rather than by a wide age band.

So DS went from getting 4 x 5ml to being able to have 3 x 7.5ml and 1 x 5ml in a 24hr period. We didn't give him that much, but it was nice to know it was an option. The mg per kg amount is widely available online from reputable websites

Original poster
BessieBye · 07/04/2025 21:32

Thank you everyone - this is all really helpful! Will keep an eye on her overnight, no temperature so far.

Do you keep them off school until the spots scab over?

OP posts:
OhcantthInkofaname · 07/04/2025 21:48

When you had your 1st prenatal visit did they check your titers for childhood illnesses?

Sunshineclouds11 · 07/04/2025 21:54

BessieBye · 07/04/2025 21:32

Thank you everyone - this is all really helpful! Will keep an eye on her overnight, no temperature so far.

Do you keep them off school until the spots scab over?

Yes

Original poster
BessieBye · 07/04/2025 21:58

OhcantthInkofaname · 07/04/2025 21:48

When you had your 1st prenatal visit did they check your titers for childhood illnesses?

Only 7 weeks so haven’t had any bloods taken etc. I don’t recall hearing that when had my first either

OP posts:
ButterflySkies · 07/04/2025 22:14

my little one had chicken pox when i was 8 weeks - and we dont remember me having pox as a child. they pulled my “booking bloods” forward to then and checked i had antibodies. All fine.

if your LO is 3, they might have been operating under covid appointments when you were pregnant - i didnt get “booking bloods” either with my eldest. Basically under covid they combined the blood test you would typically have at one of your first midwife appts with the ones at 12 weeks to reduce contact with with medical staff. In most places they’re now two appointments again, so they might offer to bring that set forward if you want peace of mind, they can use the sample to check for antibodies too xx

on the spots it does look suspect but the location sounds more like HFM. CP typically starts on the trunk (belly back) or behind the ears xx

Overthebow · 07/04/2025 22:20

Yes the spots look like they could be chickenpox. But her feet look very mottled/dark lines which I don’t think is related to chickenpox, I’d get her checked out for that phone 111 for advice.

Original poster
BessieBye · 07/04/2025 22:21

ButterflySkies · 07/04/2025 22:14

my little one had chicken pox when i was 8 weeks - and we dont remember me having pox as a child. they pulled my “booking bloods” forward to then and checked i had antibodies. All fine.

if your LO is 3, they might have been operating under covid appointments when you were pregnant - i didnt get “booking bloods” either with my eldest. Basically under covid they combined the blood test you would typically have at one of your first midwife appts with the ones at 12 weeks to reduce contact with with medical staff. In most places they’re now two appointments again, so they might offer to bring that set forward if you want peace of mind, they can use the sample to check for antibodies too xx

on the spots it does look suspect but the location sounds more like HFM. CP typically starts on the trunk (belly back) or behind the ears xx

Thank you so much for this! Yes I had my booking appt over the phone in 2020 and my bloods were taken 12wks in November around the time of second lockdown! What a time to be having a baby ey - never mind :) but really good shout, thank you xx

OP posts:
Marcipix · 07/04/2025 22:28

The spots do look like chicken pox.
are there any behind her ears?
However, as a pp said, her feet look rather unusual. Can you get advice on that from 111

Original poster
BessieBye · 07/04/2025 22:38

Oh I think it may have been the lighting making the veins look darker.. I’ve taken a couple more pictures of her feet? I’m worried now xx

Does this look like chicken pox? Also I’m pregnant so need advice if so!
Does this look like chicken pox? Also I’m pregnant so need advice if so!
OP posts:
Marcipix · 07/04/2025 23:04

Her feet look normal there.

CP is contagious before the spots show, which is why it spreads so easily.
As she’s been exposed at nursery, it’s quite likely to be. She’ll probably have more spots by morning.

Original poster
BessieBye · 07/04/2025 23:10

Marcipix · 07/04/2025 23:04

Her feet look normal there.

CP is contagious before the spots show, which is why it spreads so easily.
As she’s been exposed at nursery, it’s quite likely to be. She’ll probably have more spots by morning.

Yes I can see why others were concerned, they do look odd in that photo but nothing like that in real life! The flash must be doing some weird things. She is sound asleep but has bright red cheeks 🙃 I hope in the morning I know one way or another

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 07/04/2025 23:10

Given where they've started it could also be hand, foot and mouth rather than chickenpox. Any spots on her torso?

Ticktockwatchclock · 07/04/2025 23:18

@BessieBye if your DD does have Chicken Pox, please make sure you don’t give her children’s Ibuprofen as it cause problems with the spots going inwards. Calpol (Paracetamol based) can be given and many years ago I used Calamine Lotion for the itching. Hope your DD gets away with a mild dose. 🌸

Dairymilkisminging · 07/04/2025 23:24

I've just been through one child with the pox currently waiting on the other two to get it. I'm due in 5 weeks. Midwives have said it's fine coz I had it during childhood
Also booking bloods shows immunity.

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