What are the risks associated with chickenpox during pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife is 7 months pregnant. We found red rashes on her body two days back. Today, two blisters were found. We met the doctor and she said it was chickenpox. Can you advise the precautions we need to take? Also, what are the risks associated with this? She is currently on Amoxicillin and Potassium clavulanate 625 twice daily.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The chances are good that your baby would be fine. If you get chickenpox during the first or second trimester, then there is a slight risk (less than 2 percent) that your baby could get congenital varicella syndrome. The risk is highest if you are infected between weeks 13 and 20. You can be given an antiviral drug called Acyclovir within 24 hours of the chickenpox rash appearing. This will reduce fever and symptoms. Acyclovir is only recommended when you are more than 20 weeks pregnant. There is no medication during pregnancy without its risks, and these will be discussed with you by your obstetrician.

Regards.