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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Chicken Pox

9 replies

gem1981 · 27/04/2008 12:48

Am I being irrational? Hopring someone sensible could give me their ipout!!!

Did a carboot sale today and one of the ladies who came to my stall had a little boy with chicken pox - he stayed in his buggy and I was about 6 foot away.

Her mum (the boy's grandma bought something) I washed my hands after I took her money

Now I am in a panic (am I being nuerotic) ?

I am 15 weeks pregnant

Don't ever remember having chicken pox as a kid.

OP posts:
NoNickname · 27/04/2008 12:52

This is from Babycentre:

I've come into contact with someone with chickenpox and I don't know if I'm immune. What should I do?

First of all, tell your doctor or midwife, as soon as possible so that, if needed, tests can be done and treatment started in good time. (Remember, people with chickenpox are contagious from 48 hours before the rash appears, until all the spots have crusted over).

If there is any doubt as to whether you have had chickenpox before, your doctor can offer you a blood test to check for chickenpox antibodies. The sooner this is done after exposure the better, as it may take 24 to 48 hours to get the results back from the lab.

If the results show that you don't have any antibodies, it means that you're not immune and, depending on how and when you were exposed to the person with the virus, there could be quite a serious risk that you'll have been infected. Your doctor will assess your particular case and may suggest that you have an injection of VZIG to protect you and your baby.

VZIG will lessen the severity of the infection, but you must have it within 10 days of exposure to chickenpox for it to work.. If you go on to develop a rash, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

If, three weeks or more after receiving VZIG, you come into contact with

Original poster
gem1981 · 27/04/2008 12:53

ok thanks seeing the doc tomorrow about my little boy so I will mention it

OP posts:
Fllight · 27/04/2008 12:55

I doubt you were close enough to be in danger but it would be wise to get in touch with your GP to check if you can have some antibodies etc, as this will probably not be the only child with it that you encounter during your pregnancy.

It makes me angry when people take still contagious children to places where there could be pregnant women or other people who are at risk. It's just beyond selfish unless they really have no other option.

Original poster
gem1981 · 27/04/2008 12:56

it was a carboot though - hardly an essential outing!!!!

OP posts:
shoshe · 27/04/2008 13:04

Chicken Pox in Pregnancy

Fllight · 27/04/2008 13:04

I know, it's hardly life and death to go to a car boot is it!
Try not to worry. Chances are you've been exposed many times and acquired some immunity.

slalomsuki · 27/04/2008 13:09

I had this when I was 15 weeks pregnant with dc3. I was exposed at a party to a child who went down with chicken pox the next day. I had them on my lap for a time.

Anyhow I got a blood test since no one knew if I had had chicken pox and I hadn't but the GP couldn't get the injection for me on the NHS. Aparently because of all the single vaccines problems they would only get the single vaccine for those who had a problem with their immunity in general ie HIV sufferers etc.

I was lucky and didn't get chicken pox since I was told it was an airborn disease
My friend who was at the same party and just pregant ie 6 weeks did and also couldn't get the vaccine and got chicken pox. Fortunately for her she and her baby was OK

Aubergenie · 27/04/2008 18:40

I'm a teacher and there was an outbreak of chicken pox in my school when I was in the early stage of pregnancy. I had to go to the doctor and have a blood test to check whether or not I was immune as my mum couldn't remember whether I'd had it. It turns out that I was immune but, had I not been, I was told I could be given an injection that would prevent me from catching in (I think). Apparently it's important that you get the treatment within a short space of time. IIRC it was 10 days so get the blood test ASAP. The chances are, you'll be fine, but you probably won't relax until you know.

Original poster
gem1981 · 27/04/2008 19:26

phoned NHs Direct - nurse told me that it would be very unlikey that I had caught it as I had to not touched child or been near enough to breath in any airborne nasties as we were outdoors.

she told me to tell midwife and that the midwife will do a check (like you said Aubergine)

so I feel a little calmer now and will get in touch with MW in the am.

The nurse also said that 9 out of 10 people are immune even if you don't think you have had had it as you can get a silent version or something?

Why does being pregnant make you worry so much??

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