A more severe case of chicken pox

There are several infectious diseases that can be very dangerous to your developing baby especially in the first trimester. These can even result in miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects – for example, deafness.

If you are planning to start a family and are not sure about what vaccinations and illnesses you have had, you should urgently talk to your GP.

You will need to find out if you have already had chicken pox. It is possible to be vaccinated against chicken pox but this cannot be done while you are trying to get pregnant. It is also possible to be given the MMR before you try for a family. Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you are not sure about which diseases you have had or been vaccinated for. If you grew up overseas you may not have been given the MMR for example.

You can also ask your Midwife for a blood test at your booking appointment if you’re not sure whether or not you’ve had chicken pox.

Children with chicken pox (before the chickenpox are visible) are incredibly contagious and even adults with shingles can infect a person who has never had chicken pox.

Measles is now rare in the UK but in some areas of the country with low rates of vaccinations, there are outbreaks so make sure you are up to date with your MMR which offers protection to measles, mumps, and rubella (also known as German measles).

If in doubt, avoid spending time with children or adults with these infectious diseases until you can confirm that you are not at risk of passing on an infection to your developing baby. If you think you have been exposed see your GP.

Please click HERE for more information from the NHS.