If someone has Shingles can your baby get it?

[sush]

Hi all,

This is my 1st pregnancy and I am 5 weeks pregnant.
I am really panicking over everything. A colleague at my workplace has shingles. Will my baby get it? I was told if you have had chicken pox before the chances are nil. please help if anyone knows anything abt this.

thanks

HI, I know that the chicken pox virus is only dangerous to women in very late pg. Also I beleive that if you have had chicken pox before then baby should have your immunity. Not sure if Shingles is the same though. Check the NHS24 website and see if there is any info on there, I personally would think you are ok though.

NHS Direct website says:

Pregnancy and shingles

The virus that causes chickenpox is the same one that causes shingles. If you have had chickenpox in the past, your body will contain antibodies that mean you are immune. So, if you are exposed to shingles, the antibodies will prevent you developing chickenpox or shingles, and there is no risk to you baby.

If you have not had chickenpox in the past you do not have chickenpox antibodies, which means you are not immune. There is a very small risk that you could develop chickenpox while you are pregnant. If you are unsure whether you are immune or not visit your GP for a blood test.

If you are pregnant and know you have not had chickenpox try to avoid contact with someone who has either chickenpox or shingles. If you think you have been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, your GP may recommend taking zoster immunoglobulin (ZIG). This is a blood product that contains high levels of chickenpox antibodies. ZIG must be taken as soon as possible following exposure and no later than four days.
As shingles is usually limited to one area of the body, the virus is not usually spread through the air. However, infection can occur following direct contact with the rash. If you are pregnant and get shingles, your risk of getting pneumonia is increased. If you get chickenpox while you are pregnant there is a very small risk (1-2%) that your baby will be affected - see pregnancy and chickenpox. If you get shingles while you are pregnant, the risk of your baby being affected is even lower than if you get chickenpox.

Hope this helps.

Thanks 'singyswife' & 'LilRedWG' for ur help. that's one thing less to worry abt now.