HELP!

[SlummyMummyAndProud]

Hopefully someone can give me some advice!

DS haa developed what looks like chicken pox. He's already had them twice so doctor isn't keen on giving a diagnosis of cp.

I'm worried as I'm 6mth pregnant and, even though I had cp as a child, could possibly putting my unborn child and me at risk.

Have spokw to NHS24 and been out of hours gp but feel like I'm just been given the brush off as an hormonal pregnant woman.

Am I being silly or should I keep at them?

I was in just your situation - in fact both of my dses, DH, and Grandma all got chicken pox when I was 6 moths pg with dd. Assuming it is chicken pox, stick to decent hygiene with handwashing etc and honestly you'll be fine. It didn't appear to cary the risks that other things like mumps, rubella etc do to the unborn baby. I'd had cp as a child and apparently the baby would have the same immunity as me until well after it was born.

If OTOH it's not chicken pox, then you have every right to be worried.
Nag nag nag for a proper diagnosis for your ds.
Good luck!

Thanks gigglewitch.

Stupid doctor is saying its a viral infection which I always think is doc speak for 'haven't a bloody clue' or 'can't be arsed to properly diagnose you'.

I agree with the viral infection meaning, I have no idea!
I'd push for a diagnosis as you want to know what you are dealing with. If it is chickenpox, then as stated, maintain good hygiene. As I understand, baby is only at risk if you have come into contact with chickenpox in the last few weeks before giving birth.

Thanks for the advice ladies.

Just back from family GP and he has said it is chickenpox.

Slummy, they can do a simnple blood test to check if you are immune. I had it when preg with DS2 after DS1 got chicken pox. Now DS1 has shingles and Im pg again!

I did want to say though chicken pox at any time during preg puts the baby at risk, not just the few weeks before.

My GP told me to keep the shingles covered up, but as I have had chicken pox before I will be fine.

Ask your midwife about the blood test, it will help put your mind at ease :)

I remember being just as scared as you when my dd1 got chicken pox and I was 36weeks with dd2. I was not only worried about me getting it but about her arriving and getting it too. Amusingly (in retrospect) my mum who had always sworn I had cp started to doubt it once it really mattered. My doctors checked my antibodies and it was really reassuring for me.

I'm sure it's a common problem given that children catch it at an age when they often have siblings on the way.

Did your GP not mention anything about you?

If it's any comfort, I got chicken pox when I was 28 weeks pregnant and the doctor reassured me that there was 0% risk to the baby. The only risk is during early pregnancy (1st trimester) and just before giving birth because then the baby can get it. So try not to worry, even if you get it your baby should be absolutely fine.

the general worry is that there is a risk of the baby getting something called FVS which can cause abnormalities but if you're over 20 wks there is a very low risk (see www.patient.co.uk and type in chickenpox and pregnancy)

I was given anti-viral medication which helped reduce the longevity of it, this is a normal procedure if you're pregnant. I think you have the right to push them to diagnose, but equally, try not to worry.

hope this helps

I had chickenpox when i was a child.

Also, when I was pregnant with DS my DSis had chickenpox and I was fine.

This will be DS 3rd time having chickenpox so doctor thinks I have immunity but has said if I start to feel unwell to ger myself straight to casualty.

Wasn't sure if I should have insisted on the blood test.

Should have said that when I was pregnant 1st time round, DSis had chickenpox when I was 38wks and doctor wasn't concerned

sounds like this doctor is a bit dramatic then? straight to casualty? Sounds like you'll be fine if you had it as a child and didn't catch it the other few times.

My SIL had chicken pox when she was in the first trimester (which is supposed to be the most dangerous) but her DD was absolutely fine, really quick labour and is now the most beautiful, happy and healthy 6 month old baby girl. Hope everything stays ok with you, I'm sure it will be fine. :) x

Thanks everyone.

Have been panicking all night. Even phoned my mum last night (at 4am!) to double check that I had definetly had chickenpox as I was beginning to doubt myself.

Its reassuring to know that there is ladies on here who have had it with no problems.

Feel like a bit of a drama queen now, especially after the phone call.

Bloody hormones!

Hi

I came into contact with CP when I was pregnant, I contacted the hospital and they did a test on my checking in bloods to check my immunity, that really set my mind at rest. Could you do this?

Doctot doesn't think the test is necessary as I came into contact with chickenpox during my first pregnancy and was fine.

glad they diagnosed him for sure. And fwiw, you're pregnant and it's in the Rules you have to worry. Compulsory - you should know this as well
Hope some of it has put your mind at rest.
And if you want the blood test, then see another GP or midwife and get it. Particularly if it would reassure you.