IS CHICKENPOX DANGEROUS DURING PREGNANCY?

If a pregnant woman contracts chickenpox during the first trimester, the fetus may be at risk of congenital abnormalities, miscarriage, or congenital varicella syndrome, which can be very serious.

According to doctors at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, chickenpox is a contagious disease transmitted through the respiratory route or direct contact, caused by the Varicella zoster virus, and is commonly seen in children. Notably, chickenpox infection during pregnancy carries a risk of fetal abnormalities, especially during the first 20 weeks of gestation.

Chickenpox skin lesions initially present as red macules and papules, which rapidly develop into vesicles. These vesicles are small, measuring approximately 2–3 mm in diameter, superficial, and often have a central depression. They quickly progress to pustules and then crust over. Lesions usually first appear on the face and scalp, then spread to the trunk and limbs.

In pregnant women, chickenpox tends to be more severe than in non-pregnant individuals. Possible complications include meningitis, encephalitis, pneumonia, glomerulonephritis, myocarditis, ocular disorders, secondary bacterial infections, and even death.

Varicella pneumonia is the most common complication during pregnancy, occurring in approximately 10–20% of cases. It typically develops within one week after the onset of the rash.

Studies show that about 0.4% of pregnant women who contract chickenpox before the 12th week of gestation give birth to infants with congenital varicella syndrome. The risk increases to approximately 2% if infection occurs between weeks 13 and 20 of pregnancy. The most common manifestation of congenital varicella syndrome is ruptured blisters that heal with scarring on the skin. Other possible abnormalities include:

• Neurological abnormalities: such as intellectual disability, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, seizures, and Horner syndrome.
• Ocular abnormalities: including optic nerve atrophy, cataracts, retinitis, microphthalmia, and nystagmus.
• Limb abnormalities: limb atrophy or quadriplegia.
• Gastrointestinal abnormalities: such as gastroesophageal reflux, intestinal stenosis, or bowel obstruction.

IS CHICKENPOX DANGEROUS DURING PREGNANCY?

To prevent chickenpox infection during pregnancy, experts advise that women of childbearing age should take preventive measures before marriage or pregnancy by receiving vaccinations against diseases that may affect the fetus, particularly rubella and chickenpox. Vaccination with these two vaccines is not recommended during pregnancy.

If vaccination has not been completed prior to pregnancy—especially during the first 12 weeks—strict preventive measures should be followed. These include maintaining good hygiene (especially frequent handwashing), avoiding crowded places (particularly during outbreak seasons, from December to June each year), wearing a face mask when going outdoors, and avoiding areas where outbreaks are suspected or where infected individuals are present.

Not only pregnant women, but adults in general are also encouraged to receive the chickenpox vaccine to prevent transmission to young children and to pregnant women in their community.