Chickenpox is a condition that is caused by the Varicella virus. It is not malignant and people who have had it previously as well as those who have been vaccinated against it have no fear of getting it again even if exposed to someone with chickenpox.
... if the mother acquires it in the early or last stages of pregnancy. The virus spreads from the mother to the child through the placenta. If a woman has already suffered from chickenpox, she does not run the risk of getting it again. If she is not immune she must not go near any person who has chickenpox. It is a contagious virus and spreads through the droplets in the air as well as by coming in contact with any patient's articles that have been infected by the rash. According to statistics, more that 80% of women are immune to chickenpox in pregnancy.
The complications of chickenpox and pregnancy are many. The mother can contract a condition known as Varicella pneumonia. The virus travels through the blood stream and reaches the lungs of the patient. If this pneumonia is contracted during pregnancy, the infant and mother has a high chance of developing a lung infection which is life- threatening.
Other than the pneumonia, the infant is at a risk of being born with muscle and bone deformities, mental retardation, a small head, low birth weight, shorter limbs than usual, and eye defects.
The symptoms of chicken pox are:
Chicken pox during pregnancy is a self-limiting disease. Acyclovir can be used to treat the virus. The fever can be treated with Tylenol. The irritation that is present can be eased with the help of soothing baths. Two cups of oat meal powder can be added to a warm tub. This reduces the itching. You can also take a bath with cool water twice a day. Add a tea spoon of baking soda to the bath water. Maintain a bland diet without spices.
A vaccination of varicella-zoster-immunoglobin can be taken as a preventive measure if you are planning a pregnancy, because pregnant women are at a high risk of acquiring the virus.
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