Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It typically is an infection that happens in childhood. However, if you were not infected in childhood or not vaccinated against this virus, you are at risk of contracting it during pregnancy if exposed. Continue reading to learn more about chickenpox in pregnancy.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease and mostly happens in childhood. Most people would have had this infection by adulthood or should have got a vaccine during childhood. If that is not the case, a pregnant woman is prone to chickenpox if exposed to this virus. The infection is caused by a herpes virus called the VZV, varicella-zoster virus. It spreads through human-human contact due to the rash of the infected person. It can also spread through the air by a sneeze or cough. Chickenpox spreads before the rash appears until the blisters heal and become scabs. A person exposed to this virus may take 14-16 days to show symptoms. Pregnant women who are exposed to this disease are at a higher risk of severe health conditions.
The symptoms of chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus) in pregnant women are similar to those of others. These include:
● Fever: A low fever is the first symptom that appears and usually occurs a few days before the rash.
● Fatigue: Feeling tired and unwell before and after the rash
● Rash: Initially, red spots appear, turning into itchy, fluid-filled blisters. After a few days, the blisters break, dry and form a crust. The rash starts in the face, chest, scalp or back and then spreads to the rest of the body.
● Pneumonia: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain and coughing indicate varicella pneumonia in pregnant women.
● Hepatitis: Liver inflammation leads to nausea, abdominal pain or jaundice.
● Encephalitis: This is a rare complication that involves brain inflammation and causes headaches, seizures, confusion, etc.
Pregnant women need to seek medical attention if they are suspected of chickenpox to mitigate the complications.
When a pregnant woman has varicella in the first trimester, there is a chance for the baby to have a congenital disability, which is called congenital varicella syndrome. The risks for the baby include:
● Scars
● Muscle and bone defects
● Paralysed or malformed limbs
● Small head
● Seizures
● Blindness
● Intellectual disability
Birth before 37 weeks (preterm delivery) is common in pregnant women who have chickenpox in the first half of pregnancy. It is essential to note that congenital varicella syndrome is rare when chickenpox happens after the first trimester. However, it is to be noted that if you have a miscarriage in the first trimester and also have varicella, it is not proven that the cause is chickenpox. Miscarriage is common in pregnancy and can happen for many reasons.
If the new mother gets a rash 5 days before birth or 2 days after birth, there is a chance that the newborn will also get infected. They will develop a rash between 5 to 10 days after birth, and some may even die if left untreated. However, if the mother develops a rash between 6 and 21 days before the baby's birth, the baby may have a mild infection. If the baby is treated with varicella zoster immune globin injection, the disease is less severe or can be prevented entirely.
When you are pregnant, knowing if you have immunity against chickenpox is essential. Some people have immunity as they were infected with it earlier or are vaccinated. Healthcare providers check immunity when they do routine blood tests in pregnancy. That way, they know that you need treatment for chickenpox if exposed.
Studies have shown that there is an increase in the risk of congenital disability in kids if they have varicella during conception. Studies conducted on semen in men who had varicella did not find any signs of VZV in it. However, the infected partners can pass the virus to a pregnant woman. If you are exposed to varicella and have not had varicella earlier or have not been vaccinated, consult your healthcare provider.
Breastmilk is known to have antibodies that can protect the baby from getting infected with VZV. However, chickenpox is very contagious, so it is best to consult the healthcare provider if you are infected. It is essential to ensure that the baby is not in direct contact with the affected areas or the rash, as it reduces the risk of the baby contracting the infection. If you suspect the baby has varicella symptoms, contact your paediatrician immediately.
The chickenpox vaccination, also called the varicella vaccine, is approved in India. If a pregnant woman is exposed to the virus through contact with an infected person, the chickenpox vaccine can be given within 96 hours to prevent or lessen the impact of the disease. Antiviral medicines can also reduce the severity of this infection during pregnancy.
The best way to protect yourself from this contagious disease is to get vaccinated. However, unless exposed to the virus, women should not get vaccinated during pregnancy or a month before trying to get pregnant. Pregnant women are advised not to be in contact with anyone who has this disease if they are unsure about being immune to the virus.
In conclusion, chickenpox infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to the mother and the baby. While pregnant women are not prone to contracting this virus, if they do, they have severe complications. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and preventive measures like vaccination are important for minimising the risks and ensuring the health of the mother and the baby.
Varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox, which can lead to serious complications in pregnancy. It may cause congenital varicella syndrome, a serious complication of varicella infection in the newborn, etc. Consult your doctor on how to treat chickenpox during pregnancy.
Having chickenpox during pregnancy increases the risk of pneumonia and can be life-threatening.
A negative varicella zoster IgG (VZV Igg) test result during pregnancy means no IgG varicella antibodies are detected, and the virus can infect the person.
