Chicken Pox Symptoms and Pregnancy

Chicken pox symptoms and pregnancy simply don't mix. Most pregnant women are immune to chicken pox, thanks to either an immunization or a childhood case of the pox, but for those who are not, exposure to chicken pox is a serious concern. The risk from chicken pox depends on when the exposure occurred in relation to how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you are exposed, there are ways to protect both you and your baby.

What Is Chicken Pox?
Chicken pox is a viral infection accompanied by a rash that appears as small red spots or pimples. Prior to the itchy rash, fever or body aches usually occur.

Generally, once you've had a case of chicken pox, you won't get the virus again. If you have not been infected and are pregnant, you need to avoid contact with people who have the virus. Not sure if you've been infected? A doctor uses a blood test to determine if you have the chicken pox antibodies. If you do have them, you are immune.

Is Your Fetus At Risk?
Your baby faces a slight risk of birth defects if you develop chicken pox during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The risk factor rate is two percent. The rare group of defects, known as congenital varicella syndrome, includes scars on the skin, malformed limbs, vision impairments, muscle and bone defects and mental retardation.

Your baby may be born with a serious infection if the virus develops just prior to delivery. If you carry the virus during this period, there is a 20 to 25 percent chance that your baby will develop chicken pox, which could pose a serious health risk.

Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available if you should be exposed to the virus during your pregnancy. Always contact your doctor immediately after exposure. If you are not immune to the virus, your physician may opt to give you an injection of immune proteins containing antibodies to the virus. When you receive this shot within four days of exposure, the shot can prevent the virus or reduce its severity.

If you do contract the virus during pregnancy, there are oral antiviral drugs that reduce its severity.
Additionally, if your baby is born with the chicken pox, he or she may also receive the immune protein shot, which will lessen the severity of the infection. Any antiviral drugs that can help reduce symptoms will be given at this time, also.

The best prevention is to avoid contact with persons who have contracted the disease. However, if you are exposed to the virus, consult your doctor immediately. This will reduce the chances for serious complications.