Chicken pox in pregnancy - advice needed!

[DanniD78]

Hi everyone,

I'm 30 weeks pregnant and was diagnosed yesterday with chicken pox. Although we've been told it's "the best time" in pregnancy to get it, it's still not without risks and I'm so scared of the effects on our unborn son as I've read that there is still a small chance of central nervous system defects in the third trimester or of the baby being still born. I'm also scared about the anti-viral dose I've been given of acyclovir - i'ts 10 x 400mg tablets per day for 10 days - it just seems a long time to be taking such a high dose. Can anyone please offer me any reassuring words or postive stories? Can't believe I've gone 32 years without catching it and get it now of all times.

Thanks!! :)

So sorry, I can't offer you anything but just wanted to give you a and a bump. You must be incredibly worried. Have you had the chance to sit down and talk through the risks with your midwife or GP?

It sounds as though the risks are small, which I know won't stop you from worrying - I would too - but it's something to hold on to. Do you know when the period of increased risk comes to an end? Perhaps if you have a date by which you know the risk of stillbirth reverts to normal you could focus on that?

Sorry not to be able to help, just wanted to acknowledge your post.

I was in your position last year!

It is the 'best' time to get it.

The acyclovir will help too.

The effects are miniscule.

Ds is 11mths, healthy and fast asleep on my boob

It is very worrying, but surprisingly common as I discovered on here last year, when lots of other mners reassured me.

hth!

That hold be 'the RISKS are miniscule', not the effects.

Tiny, tiny. Too late on to damage the baby, to early to present any perinatal probs.

Feet up, DVD on, few weeks you'll be feeling much better.

Also, the anti virals are fine for pg.

Thank you so much for your reassuring words, it's cheered me up no end and brought tears to me and my hubbie's eyes. I'll be glad when the next 9.5 weeks are up and we can see the little fella finally! :-)

Hope you feel well soon and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.