Chicken Pox And Pregnancy
Chickenpox is one of the most common illnesses the world over. It is believed to affect every person, especially those under the age of 12, in a lifetime. The onset is commonly manifested in the form of itchy blisters that appear all over the body, this development is further heightened by general flu-like symptoms. Although the symptoms of chicken pox disappear without treatment, it is imperative to be cautious since the infection is contagious. It is for this very reason that the infected child or adult is advised by the medical fraternity to stay at home and take complete rest.
The onslaught is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). However, the protection from the infection is at hand in the form of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. This vaccination could be administered between 12 to 15 months after birth. Around the world, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a single booster shot by the time a child reaches 6 years, for additional protection. The onslaught of the vestibules specially takes a toll on pregnancy.
It is observed that the VZV can lie dormant and manifest in the form of shingles or herpes zoster anytime later - specially during pregnancy. Though the chickenpox vaccine does lower the chances of getting chickenpox, shingles do show up later in life. Pregnant women show more susceptibility to immune system problems and hence are more at risk of getting chickenpox. The condition is known to appear within all the trimesters. It is more commonly observed in the first 20 weeks. This exposes the fetus to birth defects and the mother to health complications as the pregnancy progresses.
Statistics reveal that there have been instances when the newborn displays serious health complications too. It is interesting to note that the occurrence of the baby being affected is only when the woman contracts the infection in the just before delivery. She also plays a major role in passing on the strengthened immunity through the placenta and breast milk if she is exposed to the infection prior to the pregnancy.
There is a whole segment identified by the medical fraternity as most exposed to the developments of chickenpox and allied complications -newborns whose mothers suffered the onslaught during delivery, mothers-to-be with immune deficiencies and prenatal administration of drugs to suppress immunity. Chickenpox is essentially only contagious for about 2 days prior to the final show of the rash and vestibules. It is advisable to remain isolated and take plenty of rest to beat the condition, which usually disappears anywhere between 14-21 days.
Little things and hygiene habits help the pregnant mother to play safe. These include washing of the hands frequently and maintaining distance from unvaccinated persons in the surroundings. A pregnant woman needs to take all the rest she can and keep immunity up with all the multi vitamins recommended alongside the treatment suggested for the condition. It is imperative to note that a pregnant woman is also exposed to the infection form someone with shingles, manifested due to the possible reactivation of VZV in a person who has previously suffered the infection of chickenpox.