I need some advise on Chicken pox, anyone know the risks?

[mrswee]

Hi

I'm 5 weeks pregnant, I have a DD 2.5 years and I look after a friend's DD once a week.
My friends DD has just come down with chicken pox yesterday.
I was looking after her all day on tuesday with my DD.
I have had chicken pox and shingles in the past, so does anyone know if it's still a risk to me, or if it's fine?

I am expecting DD to come down with them anyday, as she also spent the night at their house on saturday and the sunday before and generally has had a lot of contact with my friends DD over that last few weeks.

I am also wondering wether or not to look after my friend's DD this week or not bother if it's a risk.
I'd ask my doctor but it's the weekend, so has anyone else had advise re chicken pox when pregnant?

thanks!

If you had it you are fine.
For your DD she might not have it. It is contagious 1 or 2 days before the 1st spot. If your friend's DD had the 1st spot yesterday she wasn't contagious on tuesday (unless you have seen her in between or the mum missed the 1st spot).
Wether you look after your friend's DD next week depend on wether you want your DD to get CP or not. (I wouldn't if I were you)

Thanks, that's good to know. takes the worry away.

I kinda do want her to get it, well at least it might better she gets it sooner rather than when I have another small baby, but I am not sure about 'forcing' it to happen, I'd regret it if she got really really ill!

I'm currently 18 weeks and nursing my 4 yo through the dreaded pox! I know that I'm immune though as it's routinely tested for when you book in. Could you go to your gp and ask to have your bloods a bit early to put your mind at rest? (I'm assuming you haven't seen a mw yet).

As for deliberate exposure, I wouldn't. CP is usually a mild disease but there can be complications and you'd never forgive yourself if something happened and you'd 'forced' her to get it.

I remember having it when I was little, plus I must have been tested for immunity the last time I was pregnant.
I think I'll just not look after her this week, my friends DD seems quite ill with it . thanks again.

Hi there,

I had chicken pox at 31 weeks. I was given an injection but still got it. It was vile but ultimately not dangerous at that stage. I know that if you get it when you are about to deliver it can be dangerous for the baby but not sure about the early stages.
If you have immunity you should be okay but best to avoid where possible just in case.
X

They don't check for immunity during pregnancy where I am (in Northern Ireland).

DS (aged 2) caught chickenpox last week. I do remember having chickenpox as a child, but I went to the GP just in case as I'd found a few spots on my back and wasn't sure what they were.

He took my blood to be tested and had a real sense of urgency about it. I'm 19 weeks pregnant with DC2. Won't get the test result back till tomorrow and I'm praying all is well.

You are not necessarily immune if you've had it, but are likely to be. GP can get you tested. Make an appointment on Monday.