chickenpox and pregnancy

Madigan · 2010-04-05T19:50:41+00:00

2 questions: 1. A friend has just told me her son has got chicken pox today. My 1 year old played with him yesterday ............... and I am due 5 weeks today (elcs). I am definitely immune (had it as a child), but I am worried about my 1 yo potentially infecting the new baby ......... what can I do? 2. Has anyone considered the chickenpox vaccine - I know you have to pay for it privately, but is it a good idea? Thanks

6 replies

Madigan · 05/04/2010 20:50

2 questions:

A friend has just told me her son has got chicken pox today. My 1 year old played with him yesterday ............... and I am due 5 weeks today (elcs). I am definitely immune (had it as a child), but I am worried about my 1 yo potentially infecting the new baby ......... what can I do?

Has anyone considered the chickenpox vaccine - I know you have to pay for it privately, but is it a good idea?

Thanks

OP posts:

nickytwotimes · 05/04/2010 20:55

If you are immune, it will be fine. You can have a blood test to double check.

You cannot have the vaccine if you are pg. If you were not immune and your ds had it, you would be given the immunoglobin to reduce risk. Risks are highest in the first 20 weeks, but even then are low.

Incubation period is 2-3 weeks maximum, so even if your ds gets it, he would be over it and no longer infectious by the time baby is born.

Hth.

Original poster

Madigan · 05/04/2010 20:58

thanks Nicky ....
was actually thinking about the vaccine for my 1 year old ...... has anyone had their DC vaccinated?

OP posts:

CoteDAzur · 05/04/2010 21:00

Don't bother with the vaccine. Even if your DD gets it, it will be over by the time baby is born.

LouBud · 07/04/2010 16:16

Hi there, we gave the vaccine to our son when he was about 18 months (I think!) and he still got chicken pox the following year! It was a VERY mild dose though (no temp, just a few spots on his back) so we were glad we gave it to him (esp as he has eczema and the itching otherwise would've been terrible).

Original poster

Madigan · 08/04/2010 01:12

oh - well it was good it was so mild ........
the only thing that puts me off giving vvaccine to DD is that I would hate for her not to be completely immune, because that could cause problems for her later in life (i.e. many years down the line - if she make sme a granny!)

OP posts:

lifeinthesun · 08/04/2010 08:36

My DD had the vaccine when she was 2. Although it is only 85% effective if they do then get chicken pox it is very mild, usually just a few spots. I do know that in th United States they will vaccinate a child who has been in contact with Chicken Pox up to 3 days after but not sure what the practice is in the UK. I would speak to your Doctor as would the baby not have your immunity for the first 6 months??? I know that to be the case with measels. IMO I am glad I vaccinated my DD as although Chicken Pox is not in most cases dangerous it can be very unpleasant for the child if they have it badly.

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