Shingles

[Ellypoo]

Does anyone know if being in contact with anyone with shingles while you're pregnant can have any effect on the baby etc?

It depends if you have had chicken pox. You can get chicken pox from shingles but not the other way round. If you have had chicken pox then being around someone with shingles shouldn't be as problem as long as you didn't touch the affected area.

Thanks - I had chickenpox when I was younger, so will just ensure I don't touch them!!

That's not always the case. My mum had chicken pox as a child an again when she was pregnant with my little sister. Think it depends on how far along you are.

Think it's more serious in first trimester. Just be careful.

When I went to a walk-in centre with shingles they wouldn't even let me through to the consulting room area because a pregnant woman was there. The doctor came out and dealt with me in the waiting room.

So I'd say they're kinda keen on no contact.

Suggest you ask a HCP (doctor, midwife, NHS Direct) what the concerns actually are.

Just because you have had chicken pox does not necessarily mean you are going to be immune. Be really careful and stay clear if possible. It might be worth contacting your midwife if you think you have been exposed as they can arrange a blood test for antibodies.

Thanks - will call my MW tomorrow to see what they say.

My dh had shingles when I was pregnant and the doctor basically said that as I'd had CP as a child that it would be fine. I still went to stay with my mum for a couple of weeks though.