Chickenpox during pregnancy can cause complications, both for the pregnant woman and the unborn baby. However, the actual risk of any complications occurring is low.
It's rare to get chickenpox when you're pregnant. In the UK, it's estimated that just 3 in every 1,000 women (0.3%) catch chickenpox during pregnancy.
Most pregnant women who get chickenpox recover, with no harmful effects on the baby.
When to get medical advice
Seek advice from your GP or midwife immediately if you're pregnant and:
- you think you may have chickenpox
- either you've never had chickenpox or you're not sure, and you've been near someone that has it (even if you have no rash or other symptoms)
- you get chickenpox within seven days of giving birth
Complications for pregnant women
You have a higher risk of complications from chickenpox if you're pregnant and:
- smoke
- have a lung condition, such as bronchitis or emphysema
- are taking or have taken steroids during the last three months
- are more than 20 weeks pregnant
There is a small risk of complications in pregnant women with chickenpox. These are rare and include:
Complications that arise from catching chickenpox during pregnancy can be fatal. However, with antiviral therapy and improved intensive care, this is very rare.
Complications for the unborn baby
Complications that can affect the unborn baby vary, depending on how many weeks pregnant you are. If you catch chickenpox:
- Before 28 weeks pregnant: there's no evidence you are at increased risk of suffering a miscarriage. However, there's a small risk your baby could develop foetal varicella syndrome (FVS). FVS can damage the baby's skin, eyes, legs, arms, brain, bladder or bowel.
- Between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy: the virus stays in the baby's body but doesn't cause any symptoms. However, it may become active again in the first few years of the baby's life, causing shingles.
- After 36 weeks of pregnancy: your baby may be infected and could be born with chickenpox.
Complications for the newborn baby
Your baby may develop severe chickenpox and will need treatment if you catch it:
- around the time of birth and the baby is born within seven days of your rash developing
- up to seven days after giving birth
For more information about treatment, see How is chickenpox treated during pregnancy?
Read more information about the complications of chickenpox during pregnancy and questions about pregnancy.
Further information:
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