Dangerous complications of chickenpox in pregnant women

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Thanh - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Chickenpox can be considered benign because of its very low mortality rate. Children are the most susceptible to the disease, but there are cases of chickenpox in pregnant women.

Chickenpox, also known as chickenpox, is caused by the Varicella zoster virus (VZV). This is a very contagious disease that is spread by inhalation or direct contact with an infected person.

For women who have had chickenpox at a young age or have been vaccinated against chickenpox before becoming pregnant, the body already has antibodies to this disease. Then, if pregnant, the mother can rest assured that the health of both mother and fetus will not be threatened by chickenpox.
Complications of chickenpox have the potential to affect the pregnant woman as well as the baby in her womb. The varicella virus that causes chickenpox increases the incidence of pneumonia in pregnant women by 10-20%. Pregnant women infected with chickenpox are the deadliest among adults from the disease, especially when pregnant women already have varicella pneumonia.
In women infected with chickenpox for the first time during pregnancy, the impact of the disease on the fetus depends on the stage of pregnancy:
In the first 3 months, specifically weeks 8-12, the baby has 0.4 % risk of congenital varicella syndrome. The most common sign of congenital chickenpox syndrome is scarring. Besides, other possible complications include: microcephaly, eye disease, low birth weight, atrophy of arms or legs, nervous system retardation or even cerebral palsy. In addition, a mother who has chickenpox during pregnancy can have a miscarriage due to the effects of the disease-causing VZV. In the next 3 months, especially from 13 to 20 weeks, the rate of fetus with congenital chickenpox syndrome increased to 2%. From the 20th week onwards, chickenpox in pregnancy has almost no effect on the baby. If a pregnant woman gets sick from about 5 days before labor until 2 days after giving birth, the newborn is more likely to have disseminated chickenpox. The reason is that the time is too short for the fetus to receive enough antibodies from the mother. In this case, the baby has a fairly high risk of death, up to about 25 - 30% of the cases of infants with chickenpox spread from the mother.

For pregnant women with chickenpox, it is recommended to take time to completely rest, drink plenty of water, use liquid and easy-to-digest foods, as well as supplement with vitamin C to strengthen the body's resistance. . If there is a fever, you can take Paracetamol to help reduce fever and reduce fatigue.
An important note for patients infected with chickenpox in general is to keep good body hygiene, minimize the impact of breaking the blisters, because otherwise it will lead to a very serious risk of superinfection. .
In the case of pregnant women who have been exposed to the disease but have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated before, the doctor may prescribe varicella - zoster immune globulin (VZIG) to avoid complications of the disease. It should be understood that taking VZIG only helps prevent dangerous risks to the mother, but does not protect the fetus from infection, or eliminate congenital varicella syndrome and neonatal varicella.
To help and protect the fetus, another type of VZIG specifically for newborns is the right choice. When varicella in pregnancy is severe, there is a risk of pneumonia, intravenous injection of acyclovir to inhibit the growth of VZV is considered a way to cure chickenpox in pregnant women and reduce the negative impact on pregnancy. baby.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both confirm that vaccination is the simplest and most effective way to prevent chickenpox with immunity completely up to 90%. If you have been vaccinated and still get chickenpox, the disease is very mild, has very few blisters, and usually does not cause any significant complications.
Women should get the chickenpox vaccine at a young age or at least 3 months before becoming pregnant. Note that chickenpox vaccine should not be given while pregnant. Pregnant women also need to pay attention to avoid contact with people with chickenpox, as well as keep the living environment and body clean, especially washing hands thoroughly during pregnancy.
Around the issue of whether pregnant women have chickenpox is dangerous, medical experts in Infectious Diseases believe that pregnant women who have chickenpox during pregnancy, if actively monitored and treated, can still give birth to a healthy baby. strong as usual. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much, instead, you should get vaccinated against chickenpox before pregnancy and keep an optimistic spirit, and follow the instructions of your obstetrician throughout your pregnancy.

Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing a Package Immunization Program with a variety of vaccines for different audiences, from infants, young children, adults, women before and during pregnant. . When you come to get vaccinated at Vinmec Hospital, you will receive the following benefits:
Customers who come to use the vaccination service will be examined and screened by specialist doctors for all physical problems. status and health, advice on preventive vaccines and injection regimens, how to monitor and care for customers after vaccination before ordering vaccination according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & Organization The World Health Organization aims to ensure the best effectiveness and safety for the people injecting the vaccine. The team of doctors is experienced and professional, applying effective pain relief to customers during the vaccination process. 100% of vaccinated customers are monitored 30 minutes after injection and reassessed before leaving. Underwent general supervision before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always have an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination department to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - circulatory arrest, ensuring Ensure timely and correct handling when incidents occur.