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Chickenpox - Management
How should I manage a pregnant woman who has been in contact with chickenpox?
- If the woman has a definite history of chickenpox or shingles, assume immunity.
- If the woman has no history of chickenpox or shingles (or is uncertain) and has a history of significant contact:
- Establish the stage of gestation (weeks from the last menstrual period).
- Test for varicella-zoster immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in primary care if test results can be available within 2 working days of first exposure. If this is not possible, urgently seek specialist advice because testing in secondary care and/or varicella-zoster immunoglobulin prophylaxis may be needed.
- If the test shows varicella-zoster IgG, reassure the woman that she is immune.
- If the woman's antibody status is negative, urgently seek specialist advice.
- Advise the woman to promptly seek medical advice if she develops a rash and has had contact with chickenpox, regardless of whether she has received varicella-zoster immunoglobulin.
In depth
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