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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Anyone had shingles in pregnancy?

11 replies

LancasterKY · 08/10/2015 11:25

Hello there
I am pregnant in the second trimester and found out that I have shingles. I am told it can't harm the baby (unlike chicken pox where there is a risk) and I have been put on anti-virals - acyclovir. Anyone else been put on these pregnant?
Thanks

OP posts:
Sanch1 · 08/10/2015 12:14

I had shingles when I was pregnant with DD, although I think it was relatively mild as I didnt get prescribed anything. I'm sure if your doctor has prescribed them then he/she considers them to be safe. Having said that, the shingles will clear up without it, just take a bit longer if you dont take them.

cosmicgirl99 · 08/10/2015 12:21

Yes, also at start of second trimester and took aciclovir too with no side effects or problems. Other than discomfort for you, there's nothing to worry about for your baby, just rest up as much as possible (hope it's your first so that is possible!)

Original poster
LancasterKY · 08/10/2015 13:10

Thanks!! Yeah I started with horrendous pain in my leg and now a blistering rash but to be honest it's clearing up fast now and so just been worrying about effects of shingles on baby but probably effect of anti virals more but what you've said is reassuring. Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
LancasterKY · 08/10/2015 13:11

Did your gp check with specialist before prescribing?

OP posts:
ffauxlivia · 08/10/2015 14:50

Snap! I'm 16 weeks and just getting over shingles, - awful isn't it! My GP gave me the same anti-virals and I'm also under the care of an OB (as living in the US right now) so I checked with him and he said to definitely take them. The dose was just adjusted for pregnancy.

I worried too about taking them, but I was in so much pain and discomfort that I figured the stress it was putting me and my body under was also not good for baby, so couldn't win really! But it cleared up quickly with the meds. Hope you feel better soon

cosmicgirl99 · 09/10/2015 15:21

I wasn't in UK but was prescribed them by my (British) obstetrician. And also by a different obstetrician in second pregnancy. Both were happy with safety of oral aciclovir after first trimester. Hope that puts your mind at rest.

CarShare · 09/10/2015 15:48

I'm a pharmacist and regularly see aciclovir prescribed in pregnancy for shingles. As it's a viral infection that lies dormant then becomes active in times of high stress/lowered immunity it's no surprise it's fairly common in pregnancy.

jurisane · 09/10/2015 17:48

I've developed a terribly annoying rash in the backs of both my hands and both of my ankles. It first appeared after I started wearing a brace on my wrist for carpel tunnel. My mother innocently said, "could it be shingles?" and I got all worried. But the doctor didn't seem to think so and just suggested an itch cream and ice packs. I'm wondering though if I should get a second opinion.

The only thing that makes me think its NOT shingles is that the site on my arm where it first appeared has mostly healed/disappeared and is no longer itching. Wouldn't it have blistered by now without meds? First appearance was two weeks ago.

I'm interested to know how others ended up getting diagnosed with shingles.

ffauxlivia · 09/10/2015 18:12

Mine was diagnosed by GP who knew as soon as she looked at it, so did my OB. It did start blistering, and two weeks later is still there although greatly reduced. It was also accompanied by a lot of pain in the area that felt like joint pain, and a bit of numbness. But people get it to different intensities.

My OB said it's often in a band across one part of your body so I'm not sure about it appearing in separate areas. But I'm no expert! You could maybe call your midwife for a second opinion if you're worried?

Bluesand1 · 10/10/2015 11:47

For those of you prescribed acyclovir, was it 800mg 5 times a day?

Comforting to know it seems standard to prescribe this in pregnancy.

I started with the skin being sensitive to touch (almost like a trapped nerve) then horrendous pain and a rash followed which blistered - all in the same area. Some I know don't seem to suffer as bad with the pain than others but it can be really awful -worse than labour pains!
I got told women can get loads of rashes in preg so never thought would be shingles!

StressedMama2 · 11/10/2018 03:40

Hello! I’ve been prescribed acyclovir 400mg 5 x a day to battle a bout of shingles. I’m 6 weeks pregnant and would love to hear how things have got on with everyone. Thanks

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