September 23, 2011 Most pregnant women already have immunity to
the chickenpox virus. If you have had the virus there is no need
for concern, because once you have had it you are immune for
life. If you have not had the virus, chickenpox can be a risk
for you and your baby if you contract it while you are pregnant.
There is a vaccine available for chickenpox, but it is
recommended that pregnant women should not be vaccinated for
chickenpox. If you are not immune to chickenpox and you suspect
that you have been exposed to the virus, you may receive an
injection of anti-chickenpox antibodies (varicella zoster immune
globulin, VZIG). VZIG is safe for you and your baby. When
administered within 96 hours of exposure, it helps prevent
chickenpox or can lessen its severity if you do contract it.
Chickenpox infection in a baby is rare, however the virus is
capable of crossing the placenta. If the fetus is exposed to
chickenpox virus in the first few months of pregnancy, it can
cause fetal abnormality about 20 percent