Exposure to Chickenpox or Rubella During Pregnancy
Exposure to chickenpox or rubella
Chickenpox in pregnancy can cause problems for the baby and can be severe in a pregnant woman, possibly leading to pneumonia. If you contract rubella for the first time in early pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or severe problems in the fetus.
- If you encounter chickenpox, contact your doctor who can check your immunity. If you aren't immune, your doctor may advise an injection to protect you from severe chickenpox.
- Your rubella status is checked at the start of pregnancy. If you aren't immune, you can be vaccinated after the birth. Meanwhile you need to be extra careful.
- If you develop chickenpox or suspect rubella because of a rash, contact your doctor immediately, but don't go to the doctor's office, where you may spread the infection to other pregnant women.
Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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