What are the risks of Chicken Pox in pregnancy?
Chicken Pox (Varicella) is usually a mild viral infection that can pose a risk to the fetus if the mother contracts it during pregnancy. If a woman has not had Chicken Pox, her health care provider may recommend a blood test that would demonstrate if she is immune. It is important to mention that about 85% of women who have no known history of Chicken Pox are immune. If the blood test shows that she is not immune to Chicken Pox and she is not pregnant, she should consider getting vaccinated and postponing conception until at least 3 months after the vaccination. It is recommended that a pregnant woman who is not immune and has been in close contact with someone who has Chicken Pox should consult her health care provider immediately. The caregiver may suggest VZIG (varicella-zoster immune globulin) be administered. When given within 96 hours after exposure VZIG can help lessen the severity the complications in the mother. It is not known if giving VZIG to a pregnant woman helps protect
