Chicken pox?

[AngelofTroy]

My 3yo and I were exposed to chicken pox a couple of weeks ago (his friend came round and 2 days later came out in spots) and we're still in the incubation period of 10-21 days. My midwife told me at my booking appointment that I'd be immune if he caught it (I was paranoid when he started nursery) because I've had chicken pox and shingles. But as time goes in I'm getting more paranoid. Should I not have been tested to check my immunity? Should I ring and explain that I've been exposed now and want them to check or is it too late to do anything now? I'm so paranoid checking DS for spots every day and if I get an itch I keep expecting to see a spot! Help.

 

[jenmcn1]

If you've had chicken pox as a kid (most of us have) than you're totally fine! You have immunity.
I was exposed to chicken pox with my 3rd pregnancy and called my midwife, she said that it's not a danger unless you've never had it as a kid.
So if you've had it, you will be fine.
And if your son has it, it's better for them to get it as a kid and nothing to worry about. Just uncomfortable and itchy. Hang in there mama

 

[laila 44]

You should have been tested in your prenatal screening. It's varicella IGM and IGG it's super important bc even if you caught it u may not be immune. I know for a fact according to my bloods that I have immunity to varicella, rubella and fifth disease but not to cmv. I would call your dr.

 

[AngelofTroy]

You should have been tested in your prenatal screening. It's varicella IGM and IGG it's super important bc even if you caught it u may not be immune. I know for a fact according to my bloods that I have immunity to varicella, rubella and fifth disease but not to cmv. I would call your dr.

The NHS don't routinely check for varicella or fifths :/ I know I'm immune to rubella from my blood screening at 9 weeks.

 

[AngelofTroy]

I just rang my midwife and she said I don't need testing because I've had it and it's very rare to get it twice.. Well I personally know 3 people who have had it twice so I don't feel that comforted! But they basically said not to worry unless I get symptoms!

 

[Dory85]

My daughter had chicken pox when I was pregnant with my second. I didn't catch it and was told as I was out of first tri and not about to give birth, my baby wasn't at risk either.

 

[laila 44]

Please see the thread entitled "cvs awareness" by gemstone. It was just posted a few days ago. Having had chicken pox doesn't always cover you. Not to alarm you but see the thread xx

 

[Spiffynoodles]

Please see the thread entitled "cvs awareness" by gemstone. It was just posted a few days ago. Having had chicken pox doesn't always cover you. Not to alarm you but see the thread xx

I was going to say the same thing. Here's the link to the thread: https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/pregnancy-third-trimester/2372740-cvs-awareness.html

 

[AngelofTroy]

I don't know what to do now. 2 midwives have basically told me I'm being silly and refused to discuss it further.

 

[Quartz]

If you have had chicken pox and shingles the chances are you are fine. You can get chicken pox more than once if your body does not build up a strong enough response (I had childhood chicken pox then adult then shingles).

That said the vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women so I can see why they would not test

 

[AngelofTroy]

If you have had chicken pox and shingles the chances are you are fine. You can get chicken pox more than once if your body does not build up a strong enough response (I had childhood chicken pox then adult then shingles).

That said the vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women so I can see why they would not test

I think they can give anti virals though and if given in time they can be very effective. I've left a message with my midwife again basically begging for them to test me.

 

[laila 44]

Sometimes you just have to insist. It's all fun and games until it affects someone directly and then they become the 1%. I hate when medical professionals don't take things seriously. Thankfully my dr is paranoid lol. Keep insisting u get tested u can pay out of pocket xx

 

[AngelofTroy]

I will. I've found somewhere that does it privately too but I'm not sure if I'd get results in time as I was exposed two weeks ago. Midwife wasn't concerned so I put it out of my mind until I started googling today. I wish I'd got tested 2 weeks ago.

 

[laila 44]

It's ok. One of the tests the IGG or IGM tells you if it's a recent or past infection. Recent can be in past month. Past means you have anti bodies present and therefore immune. Don't stress too much just go get a test for peace of mind ... I'm sure u are fine!

 

[AngelofTroy]

I'm not sure there's any point after reading about the anti-virals, they need to be given within 72 hours of EXPOSURE. We were both exposed 2 weeks ago tomorrow.

Quote from baby centre:

How is chickenpox treated in pregnancy?
It is safe to take paracetamol to treat any pain and fever you may have. You can use calamine lotion to reduce the itchiness of your spots.

Your doctor may suggest that you have an injection of VZIG. This stands for varicella zoster immune globulin, and it is a blood product that contains chickenpox antibodies.

VZIG can make the infection milder and last for a shorter time. You should ideally have the injection within 72 hours of exposure to chickenpox, or at least within 10 days, for it to work. VZIG does not work if you have already developed a chickenpox rash.

It is not clear whether VZIG also protects your unborn baby. However, for women who go on to develop chickenpox after having VZIG, there is some evidence to suggest that it may offer protection."

 

[marmoset]

So sorry you are going through this Angel. I hope you get peace of mind from your testing. Try to remember the chances of a bad outcome for you are very very low. Big hugs, I'm sure you will have good news from your tests.

 

[AngelofTroy]

I don't know if its worth paying for a test when it's too late for any treatment. That will just cause immeasurable stress if I'm not immune. :/

This link suggests the risk is very minimal after 20 weeks:
Not sure there's much point as according to this anti virals would have to be given 72hrs after exposure
www.babycentre.co.uk/a536352/chickenpox-in-pregnancy

 

[Ganton]

I'm afraid I don't know what to suggest but can sympathise as I'm going through a similar thing with fifth disease at the moment. DS2 has had cold symptoms and a temperature over the weekend, then got a rash on his cheeks on Monday. The doctor said she wasn't sure if it's slapped cheek and there's nothing they can do anyway. I saw the midwife today for my 28 week blood tests and she agreed to test for immunity and active infection. She also said they don't do anything if the results come back that I have an active infection but I guess I'll try to find out more depending on what the results show. Apparently they take 2-3 weeks to come back though.

 

[jenmcn1]

If 2 midwives have told you not to worry, I would take their advice(not Google or social media) If they're not concerned than you shouldn't be. Like I said in a post above, once you've had it you build up an immunity for many many years. Not like the vaccine where its only good for 10yrs.
I was scared of this too, with my last pregnancy but I had reassurance from my midwives AND Doctor that all would be fine since I had already had chicken pox. Try not to worry, as difficult as that is.

 

[claireybell]

As long as you've had it growing up or at any point previoys to being preggers your immunity is instantly there hun! I dbl checked with my first pg as someone in my office had it but i was all fine