Chickenpox and Pregnancy
After we become pregnant, we do everything we can to be healthy. However, in some cases, we cannot protect ourselves from diseases. Since chickenpox is a very contagious viral infection, it is almost impossible to prevent it.
Chickenpox is a viral infection also known as varicella. Rashes occur in the form of small red raised spots. Rashes are usually preceded by fever and body aches. Since 95% of the infections occur during childhood, adults are protected against chickenpox during childbearing age.
It is very rare for pregnant women who had chickenpox before pregnancy to get chickenpox again. If you have not had chickenpox before, there is a great risk during pregnancy. It is necessary to stay away from places where chickenpox is possible.
If it is not sure whether you have chickenpox or not, you can get tested. As a result of the test, it is clear whether you are at risk or not.
Affection of the Baby by Chickenpox
The effect of the baby by chickenpox depends on the period of pregnancy. According to pregnancy period:
- If chickenpox occurs in the first trimester, the probability of a birth defect 0.5-1%
- Chickenpox occurs in the 13th-20th months. If the chickenpox occurs up to 5 days before birth, the probability of having a birth defect is 20-25%
- If chickenpox occurs 6-12 days before birth, the baby may still have chickenpox, but since some antibodies will be passed from the mother, congenital varicella will be overcome slightly.
Possible birth defects due to chickenpox; eye problems, scarring, underdevelopment or developmental delay, small head size and/or mental retardation.
Prevention of Chickenpox
- Previous chickenpox If it has been passed, there is no need to do anything to protect the baby. Antibodies produced by the body protect the baby from infection.
- If you have not had chickenpox before, Zoster immunoglobulins should be used if you come into contact with someone who has chickenpox during pregnancy. Immunoglobulin is given for 4 days after contact.
- If you have not had chickenpox before and there is no pregnancy, chickenpox vaccine is given 3 months before pregnancy. should be done.
Can you get chickenpox twice?
Healthy people do not get chickenpox twice. People who have problems with their immune system (defense system) may get a second infection. Most people who think they have chickenpox for the second time actually think that the rash they had before was chickenpox.
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