chickenpox and impending due date

[vnmum]

hi, i am 36 weeks pregnant and have just been informed by DS's nursery that a girl had chickenpox at the end of last week. i know i have a 2 - 3 week wait to see if DS gets it but that will take me very close to my due date and im worried about him having it when i have the baby.

any advice on what i should do if this happens, ie chickenpox and a very newborn?

nothing you can do. They will only treat you if you are really suffering. Danger to baby is mild. But, if you do get spots then do go to gp or midwife and seek advice.

Erm - this is my understanding...a mother having chickenpox 2 weeks either side of due date is the most dangerous time in pregnancy. Can lead to a very servere case of chickenpox for the newborn.

however, 70% of women are immune (having had it or gained natural immunity without having spots) so you are unlikely to get it.

If you do get it you will be offered immunoglobulin to help reduced severity - I think. I would talk to your MW at next appointment to see what if anything you need to do if you should show any symptoms.

NHS direct advice

SMS - it can be dangerous if you have it around the time of delivery. I had it in pg and was given anti-body injections.

vnmum is concerned about ds getting it and passing it on to her newborn I think. I would think baby would have some immunity if you have had it vnmum, but I'm not sure. I would speak to your midwife. Hope ds manages to avoid it this time round.

Sorry SMS that post shouldn't have been directed at you - oops.

Indeed I can't see how me getting Chickenpox is going to harm vnmum's baby .

thanks, yes i was worried about DS getting it and passing it on to newborn.

i have had it as a child so im confident im immune, i was just worried about the timing in that if DS does get it he could be contagious around the time i have the baby.

i am seeing mw tomorrow so will ask her advice then

thanks again