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How does chickenpox affect early pregnancy?
Chickenpox during pregnancy is dangerous in its consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Having learned what the expectant mother should be wary of, you can protect yourself from the virus.
How does chickenpox affect pregnancy?
If during pregnancy a woman contracted the chickenpox virus, then you need to immediately see an infectious disease specialist. An experienced doctor will conduct tests, assess possible risks and prescribe treatment. It will depend on the length of the pregnancy and the condition of the mother.
Chickenpox in early pregnancy is dangerous for the embryo
Chickenpox during early pregnancy is dangerous to the fetus. The consequences of the virus do not affect its development in the best way. The likelihood of the following pathologies increases:
- intrauterine death;
- cerebral cortex atrophy;
- partial or complete blindness;
- underdeveloped limbs;
- mental retardation.
However, the expectant mother should understand that the probability of developing these defects is only 2%. Termination of pregnancy due to the transferred virus is unreasonable. To understand whether the fetus has developmental pathologies, a woman must undergo more than one control ultrasound scan a month after the illness.
If a woman falls ill with chickenpox after the 20th week of pregnancy, then you should not be afraid of any abnormalities in the development of the fetus. During this period, the virus does not threaten the baby.
The most dangerous chickenpox virus is 5 days before delivery. During childbirth, the child can become infected from the mother, and chickenpox in newborns proceeds with complications. The risk of damage to internal organs and the brain increases.
Antibodies to the virus are produced in the mother’s body on the fifth day after the rash. If childbirth began later than this period, then the baby should not have complications
Pregnancy with chickenpox: how to protect the expectant mother
If a woman did not have chickenpox in childhood, then at the stage of pregnancy planning, she should tell the doctor about it. Preventive measures are taken three months before the expected conception. During this period, a number of antibody tests are performed. In their absence, the woman is vaccinated.
Vaccination is contraindicated during pregnancy. If a virus is suspected, the expectant mother should avoid contact with sick and children.
If the pregnant woman was in contact with the patient, then she should go to the hospital. All necessary measures are taken within the first 96 hours from the moment of contact
The chickenpox virus is dangerous for the expectant mother, but you should not panic once again. If a woman is aware of the possible consequences, then she has time to prepare for pregnancy and visit a doctor on time.