Worried I've got shingles!!

[Nononon]

I'm only about 5 weeks pregnant - if that. Ive got a collection of spots on my back just below my armpit that are quite sore. They look a bit scabby in the middle. A colleague of mine that recently had shingles looked it it for me and says that it looks just like what she had. Kept going on and on about how you have to stay away from pregnant women (not knowing I'm pregnant of course!). Am now panicking that, if it is indeed shingles,it will harm the baby's development!

Anyone got any experience of this?

I had shingles about 8 years ago. If caught early it can be treated to reduce the symptoms, I think within a couple of days of the rash developing. Unfortunately I thought my rash was a reaction to a new washing powder, so I didn't go to the doctors until about a week after I first found it. One thing I noticed is that I felt generally under the weather, tired with dark circles under my eyes. How are you feeling? Also the rash was more like a collection of small blisters and gave me shooting pains when touched. The fluid inside the blisters carries the virus, so you have to be careful what you contaminate around you, especially if you're living with someone. I would suggest going to the doctor straight away. Maybe post a picture of the rash?

I had shingles in very early pregnancy (diagnosed before I knew I was pregnant). It's not.dangerous in pregnancy and will not harm the baby, it just might make you feel extra rough - I think it made my early morning sickness worse because I was already so run down, so if you do have it do take time to recover properly if you can. There are anti-virals they can give you to ease the symptoms if they're started early enough but they're not known to.be definitely safe in pregnancy so, as we were ttc, I decided not to take them (it gets better on it's own). You're told to stay away from pregnant people because if they haven't had chicken pox they can catch that from you, and that is potentially more harmful in pregnancy.

I had to go to A&E recently (at 29 weeks) with suspected chicken pox as not had it before - definitely get to the doctor or delivery unit to get checked. Was told by Dr at hospital that it CAN be dangerous for baby in the 1st & late 3rd trimester. Shingles I imagine would be the same?

If you're feeling ok you're probably fine - I felt rough as guts. But, best to get yourself checked for peace of mind

Loopylou, your post is very reassuring thanks. I've had a look on the NHS website and it says pretty much what you've said.

However I also found this scary article - www.buzzle.com/articles/shingles-during-pregnancy.html - is that just a load of crap?? Please tell me it is aaaaagh!

Oops I don't know how to link

It looks like it's probably a load of rubbish - I don't know enough about that site to know how valid a source it is but I would rather trust the NHS site and doctors.

The reason that shingles isn't dangerous while chickenpox is is because if you get shingles it means that you've already had chickenpox and already have the antibodies to fight it.

Obviously you should still see your gp to get a proper diagnosis so hopefully they'll be able to reassure you too.