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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Urgent - chicken pox and 11 weeks pregnant

19 replies

eyelash · 12/03/2004 17:01

I wonder if the mumsnet knowledge can come to my aid once again.

I am supposed to be going on a mums night out tonight and have just rang one of the mums to arrange when to pick her up. Turns out her son has developed chicken pox today. She thinks she is immune as she had chicken pox as a child, and I wouldn't be exposed to her son at all as I am just picking her up outside. I think I had chicken pox as a child but can't you still develop shingles?

Anyway - question is should I stay away from her just in case. My gut feeling tells me yes as I have looked at the internet and it is very bad to the developing foetus in early pregnancy. But am I over reacting. But this case I would rather be safe than sorry.

OP posts:
beansprout · 12/03/2004 17:03

I think go with your instincts. General rule is that if you had the pox as a child you should be immune but that is not fail safe. For the sake of an evening you don't have to fret about having said pox, let alone any damage to your little one.

Put your feet up and watch American sit-coms instead?

amess · 12/03/2004 17:07

I second beansprout's response. A friend of mine got chicken pox when pregnant and had to be in IC for nearly 2 weeks. Could try NHS Direct they are good with advise for us in past. All the best.

Original poster
eyelash · 12/03/2004 17:16

Thank you both so much. Just managed to get hold of my midwife who suspects I probably am immune as my sons had chicken pox last year and I didn't develop it then. But I will have a night at home instead as I couldn't be doing with the stress.

Thanks again for your quick responses and for confirming my instincts.

OP posts:
dinosaur · 12/03/2004 17:16

There have been a few threads on this recently - I know because my DSs have both just had chickenpox and I'm pregnant.

If you are not sure whether you have had it or not, you ought to get your immunity checked as apparently one of the most dangerous times to have it is when you are betweeen 13 and 20 weeks. Even if you don't go out with your friend tonight, get your immunity checked anyway as there is load and loads and loads of chickenpox around at the moment.

dinosaur · 12/03/2004 17:16

oops sorry eyelash - my post crossed with your last one

secur · 12/03/2004 17:21

Message withdrawn

dinosaur · 12/03/2004 17:32

I met a mum at the baby clinic on Wednesday who had just had chickenpox (I believed her, she had an enormous crater on her nose!). So whilst it might be unusual for adults to not be immune, it's not THAT unusual.

Toots · 12/03/2004 17:58

Think you were right to stay away Eyelash. Just wouldn't have been worth the stress tonight then the ongoing worry. Anyway, Ann Maurice, the House Doctor is in Scraptoft in Leicester at 8 on Five. Now THAT sounds worth staying in for.

luckymum · 12/03/2004 18:36

Stay away eyelash.....I had chickenpox whilst pregnant (29 weeks) it was awful Ds 1 was fine though as I was in the 'safe' period. Its risky up to 20 weeks and very risky if you have it at the time of delivery. Baby can get a type of pneumonia. Take care

Original poster
eyelash · 12/03/2004 19:14

Thanks again to everybody for replying. Yes - a night in for me then.

Toots - I loved House Doctor but noticed that 'Without prejudice' is on Channel 4 tonight. This was very good the last time I saw it so may have to tape Ann.

btw I haven't been exposed in the last few weeks and will ask for an immunity check when I am at clinic next week.

OP posts:
kbaby · 12/03/2004 21:32

Sorry for butting in, but im hoping you might be able to help me. Im 30 weeks pregnant and have had chicken pox. My friend brought around her little boy yesterday who had chicken pox last week, his spots had mostly faded. Am I at risk of catching it or will I be ok as his spots have gone

dinny · 22/03/2004 12:32

God, I'm 16 weeks pregnanct and dd had just been sent home from nursery with chickenpox. What do I do? My mum can't remember if I had it as a child. Someone help! (I have left message for midwife to call me) Thanks, Dinny

dinosaur · 22/03/2004 12:33

You need to get your immunity checked - make an urgent appointment with GP.

twiglett · 22/03/2004 12:35

message withdrawn

mears · 22/03/2004 12:36

kbaby - you will be fine because spots have faded and you have had chickenpox.

Dinny - your midwife should be able to check your immunity from your booking bloods. It is highly likely you have had CP so try not too worry. If you are not immune then you will be offered immunoglobulin to reduce the secverity of symptoms if you get it. Baby will be OK.

dinny · 22/03/2004 12:49

Thanks Mears and Dinosaur - am about to start blubbing. Really worried. Though my sister definitely remembers having it so I must have done too, presumambly??

stace · 22/03/2004 15:15

Dinny, speak to midwife first and see if they know your immunity from your bloods if not ask if you can have the blood test done at the hospital urgently as they will get the results quicker than your doctor probably. I went through this about 3/4 weeks ago too and was also 16 weeks it was a worry for about 3 days but with hindsight the risks are really really low, a) your almost 17 weeks when apparently the dangers are very limited b) even before the risks of passing it to the baby are really really low c) you probably are immune.

dinny · 26/03/2004 09:30

Thanks, Stace - they were able to test from my booking bloods and I am immune. Thank goodness. Am so impressed by the efficiency of the NHS - the microbiologist tested my bloods and called me to let me know so fast. Fantastic.

stace · 26/03/2004 22:39

pleased to hear it dinny bet thats a wieght off your mind i know how it feels!!!!

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