Chickenpox and Pregnancy

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Previous history of chickenpox:

Pregnant women who have a past history of chickenpox will have developed antibodies against chickenpox.

No history of chickenpox:

Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox may develop severe illness if they get chickenpox while pregnant.  There is a small risk that chickenpox will affect the developing baby if the mother becomes infected in the first half of pregnancy and around the time of delivery.  Chickenpox infection can be fatal for an infant if the mother develops the disease from 5 days before to 2 days after delivery as during this time there is a lack of maternal antibodies passed on to the newborn..

Blood test available:

A blood test can determine if you have antibodies to protect you from the chickenpox virus.  Consult your physician as soon as possible after exposure if you have not had chickenpox.  If the blood test shows no antibodies, you may be advised to receive an injection of varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) to help prevent severe infection.

What is varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG)?

It is a blood product that provides immediate protection against chickenpox.  It is used in pregnant women who have been exposed to someone with chickenpox and who have never had chickenpox in the past.  This needs to be arranged through your physician.  VZIG is of benefit if administered within 96 hours after the exposure.

What about the chickenpox vaccine?

The chickenpox vaccine should not be used during pregnancy.  Women who receive the chickenpox vaccine need to wait one month before becoming pregnant.  A reliable form of birth control must be used during that time.

For more information, ask your health care worker or contact Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.