Are chickenpox a danger to an unborn fetus?

Question

My daughter is in her first trimester and teaches where there has been recent outbreaks of chickenpox. She had chickenpox herself at the age of 4 and also has had all her immunizations. Should we be concerned for the health of her unborn child?

Answer 1

I actually had the chicken pox while I was pregnant with my youngest. I too had them when I was young. I don't know how I even got them. But my doctor said not to worry. It would just be bad if I had to deliver with the chicken pox then I couldn't hold the baby. But my chicken pox cleared up and my baby came out perfectly healthy and fine. You shouldn't stress about it until it actually happens. Anyways....best of luck to you all.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

As your daughter has had them she has an immunity to the chicken pox which means that she should not get them and hence the baby is protected. It can be contracted again, apparently, but it is rare and less serious and not problematic for the baby if it is not a first infection. Try to look at some of the pregnancy web sites for further clarification i.e March of dimes, mother risk at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto), American pregnancy association etc...

Good luck and congrats.

Answer 4

No, it is only dangerous to the fetus when the mother has not had chickenpox and she contracts the virus while pregnant. Since she has already had chickenpox she already has a built in immunity to them and so does her baby while it is in utero.

Answer 5

I believe measles can affect an unborn baby's, this is why teenage school girls in Aust are given rubella vaccinations . I am not sure if Chicken pox is similar.

Answer 6

If she does not get them, then the baby should be o.k.