Could I Pregnant? - Something You Must Know about Chicken Pox

Even though there is only 10% of people above 12 years old is contracted by chicken pox (varicella), it's not impossible for this disease to attack adults, especially for those who have never contracted by this disease, it's worried that the effects are fatal to the embryo, for example growth problems and embryo development problems.

Chicken pox is a disease that causes the skin to have rash, caused by the varicella-zoaster virus. People with this virus will have the incubation time (the time since the virus enter the body until it is showing signs) for around 2-3 weeks, before there is any signs of this disease. If someone had been contracted by chicken pox before, then he or she will be immune to this virus. But don't let this disease happen to you, especially during pregnancy. In fact you should know the detail about this disease.

Types and Causes

The infection process of this virus is often unknown since its transmission is by the air. Virus attacks when the body condition is bad, or in this case, when the pregnant woman's health is not good. But it can also because of prolonged interaction with others who already has this virus within them. Although the pregnant woman's body immunity is high, the virus can still enter the body.

What You Must Do

The symptoms of this disease vary between the sufferers. Some people may have all symptoms, others may have some, and for some others, there may be no sign at all. Usually there is a mild fever or flu. During these signs, most people do not know if the virus is already inside the body. Other symptoms are red rash on the face and around the skins or inflamed skin bumps containing liquid, sometimes accompanied by lumbago, headache, and pharyngitis.

When the symptoms appear, the sufferer will realize that he or she has just contracted with this disease. The bumps on the skin will feel itchy and makes the sufferer want to scratch it. While in fact, scratching it can cause the infection to spread even more due to the fact that chicken pox is a highly contagious disease.

Chicken pox infection during pregnancy is a serious problem for the embryo. Especially during the beginning of pregnancy or during the birthing process. It's worried that the embryo will have defect or problems with the growth.

How to Handle and Prevent

If you have never been contracted by this disease, you have to be aware of the transmission. Usually it's transmitted through the air. When the sufferer cough, sneeze, or when the liquid comes out from the bumps on the skin, it will release millions of particles which carries the chicken pox virus (Varicella - zoster/VZV) which can infects others. If someone who has never been contracted inhales these particles, it will enter the lungs and get carried by the blood to the skin which will cause rash and itchy bumps.

The easiest way to prevent this disease from happening is to get vaccinated. Although it will only protect the body for around 70%-90%. Someone who has been vaccinated can still be contracted by chicken pox, but will get healthy sooner than those who have never had vaccine.

For pregnant woman, it's not suggested to get vaccinated because it's worried that it may has negative effect to the embryo. But if not yet pregnant and want to be vaccinated, postpone pregnancy for 3 months. To decrease the risk of the disease to the baby born from the mother with chicken pox, varicella zoster vaccine or immune globulin will be given. This vaccine is an attempt to give profilacsasis medicine (preventer) by giving immunity substances to the baby who has not get any natural immunity yet.

To detect abnormality of the embryo in mother with chicken pox, it can be done by ultrasonography test between week 18th until week 20th. With this instrument the doctor will check the embryo's organs, such as legs, arms, and the brain. Important measurement must be done to prevent secondary infection, such as abscess from the scratched bumps. If itchiness occur, anti itch talc or antibiotic or safe antivirus can be given to the mother with prescription from the doctor. Including keeping body condition in good state.