Chicken pox is a common infection acquired by children. 85% of women have antibodies to the chicken pox virus and therefore their baby is not at risk of chicken pox even of the mother develops shingles (a reactivation of dormant chicken pox virus) during pregnancy.

In the non-immune pregnant woman, chickenpox is a potentially dangerous disease that may infect the baby and cause abnormalities. Approximately 3 out of every 1000 women who are pregnant catch chicken pox. Before 20 weeks of pregnancy there is a 1-3% chance of the baby developing complications because of chicken pox. They may develop congenital defects, mainly heart defects, deafness and cataracts (eye lens opacities). The risk drops as pregnancy advances beyond 20 weeks. Pregnant women who have been in contact with chicken pox, should ask the doctor for an urgent blood test to determine their immunity. Those that are not immune to the chicken pox virus will be offered chicken pox antibodies as a vaccine to prevent development of the infection. This should be given within 7 days of exposure to ensure effectiveness in preventing spread of infection to the foetus. If the mother develops chicken pox 5 days before or up to 2 days after delivery, antibodies would also be given to the new baby for protection. Nursing mothers who develop chicken pox should consult either the midwife or doctor for further advice regarding breast feeding and handling of their baby.

If the mother develops chicken pox 5 days before or up to 2 days after delivery, antibodies would also be given to the new baby for protection. Nursing mothers who develop chicken pox should consult either the midwife or doctor for further advice regarding breast feeding and handling of their baby.