Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection. While often mild in childhood, it poses greater health risks for adults and pregnant individuals. Understanding its implications during pregnancy is important for protecting both the parent and the developing baby.
Risks of Varicella During Pregnancy
Contracting varicella during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both the pregnant individual and the fetus. For the pregnant person, risks include severe pneumonia and, in rare cases, encephalitis. The severity of maternal complications tends to increase in later stages of gestation.
A varicella infection during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy carries a small risk, approximately 1% to 3%, for the baby to develop congenital varicella syndrome (CVS). This condition can manifest with birth defects such as skin scarring, limb malformations, and issues affecting the eyes, brain, or other organs. If the infection occurs shortly before delivery, specifically between five days before birth and two days after, the newborn faces a risk of developing neonatal varicella. This form of the disease can be severe and life-threatening for the infant.
Recommended Waiting Period After Vaccination
The varicella vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus. Healthcare guidelines recommend a specific waiting period before attempting conception. Individuals should wait at least one month after receiving the varicella vaccine before trying to get pregnant.
This recommendation serves as a precautionary measure to minimize any theoretical risk to the developing fetus. Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) endorse this waiting period. Although the vaccine contains a live virus, studies have not shown adverse effects on the fetus when administered just prior to or during early pregnancy.
What If Pregnancy Occurs Sooner?
Current data indicates no evidence of harm to the fetus if pregnancy occurs sooner than the recommended waiting period after varicella vaccination. Studies have not reported an increased chance of birth defects or congenital varicella syndrome in cases where vaccination occurred inadvertently just before or during early pregnancy.
Inadvertent vaccination during pregnancy should not be considered a reason to terminate the pregnancy. Individuals in this situation should consult their healthcare provider immediately. Medical professionals can provide personalized guidance and monitoring to ensure the well-being of both the pregnant person and the baby.
Varicella Vaccination and Pregnancy Planning
For individuals planning a pregnancy, checking immunity status to varicella is an important step. This can be done through a reliable history of prior infection, vaccination records, or a blood test to confirm the presence of antibodies. Ensuring immunity before conception helps protect against the risks of varicella during pregnancy.
If a non-immune pregnant individual is exposed to varicella, immediate medical consultation is necessary. In some cases, Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) may be given within 96 hours of exposure to prevent or reduce the severity of the infection.