Chicken Pox

[Hawkmoth]

I need a babysitter for tomorrow for DD3, and the only person to have offered has been in contact with someone who's now got chicken pox. She saw her last a week ago.

Questions:

1. Is it bad for me to be exposed to the virus at all?
2. Have had Chicken Pox AND Shingles - can I get Shingles again?
3. Is it worth the risk of having to look after DD with Chicken Pox while pg?
4. Am I right that it's contagious for three weeks before the rash appears?

Thanks!

1. not if you are immune to CP

2. Exposure to CP does not increase the risk of shingles, it decreases it.

3. It isnt a risk to the baby (If you are immune)

4)The incubation period is 15-20 days, but you are infectious for 1-2 days before the rash appears until it has scabbed over.

You're okay because although CP can be dangerous to the foetus this is only true if it's the first time the mother has been infected with it.

Don't worry, I had this panic too, and this is what the MW told me.

Hurrah!

Well kind of, I'm at a funeral so it's not like I'm off out doing something fun.

Thanks so much

Hi, just thought I'd add to agree, it's only harmful if you get chicken pox for the first time while pregnant. I've had chicken pox and shingles too, from my understanding the virus is always in your system so you can get it again but it's very unlikely.

oops forgot to add the doctor explained it like this... someone who hasn't had chicken pox can catch it from someone with shingles but you can't 'catch' shingles.

Bizarre! I was at Tumble Tots today and had a play leader freaking because 'chicken pox is about' and I am 28wks which led to umpteen conversations and weird advise. Thxs for sane touch stones on the topic. I've had it already as a pre teen so no worries here now. Why do some people want to panic pregnant women with so called 'sage advice' - I reckon they just want to see if we'll go into early labor!

I agree with everything here - you have already had it so not really an issue.

In any case It is also only really dangerous if you catch it in the last 2 weeks, or baby catches it in first 2 weeks. There are some risks if you catch it early too...but less so.