PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for May, 1999: Re: Chicken Pox While Pregnant

Re: Chicken Pox While Pregnant

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 28 May 1999 21:53:05 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: JoAnn: "Chicken Pox While Pregnant"

At Thu, 27 May 1999, JoAnn wrote: >
>Currently, I am 8 weeks pregnant and was exposed to the chicken pox a
>few days ago. While I had the chicken pox when I was a kid, I'm
>wondering if the virus can still be passed on to the baby?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). 90% of all cases occur in children (under the age of 10 years). However, it can be a devastating disease in people over the age of 50. Fortunately, once you have had chickenpox you are almost always immune for the rest of your life (there are very rare cases of people who have had it as a child getting it again later in life). If you are not absolutely positive that you had chickenpox as a child, you should have your doctor draw blood ASAP to confirm this. This should be done as soon as possible after exposure to someone with chickenpox. If the antibody test shows you are immune, then both you and your baby should be fine. If it shows you are not immune, then the risk to you is probably greater than to the baby, and many experts advise that pregnant women with exposure but no prior immunity receive a medication called VZIG immediately.

More fun chickenpox facts: Varicella does not seem to easily infect the baby during the first trimester. In fact, most studies show that the greatest danger to the baby is if the mother gets chickenpox (ie actually gets the disease, not just exposed to it) in the period from 5 days before to 2 days after delivery. This is because the mother's passive immunity has not passed to the baby. Finally, if a pregnant woman actually comes down with chickenpox, she is at risk for varicella pneumonia, a potentially fatal infection. I always strongly advise pregnant patients with chickenpox to come to the emergency department immediately if they develop a cough, shortness of breath, or other signs of pneumonia.

Good luck with everything. I hope you have a great pregnancy.

-- Ashley Hill David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, FL http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

The above is intended for general medical education, and is not for specific medical advice. I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail due to time constraints.

Next message: D. Ashley Hill, M.D.: "Re: How long does sperm live?"
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In reply to: JoAnn: "Chicken Pox While Pregnant"

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