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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Maternal Risks Of Varicella In Pregnancy?

My Wife is carrying and is 8 weeks pregnant. 2 weeks back my brother got infected with chicken pox and after that even my sister in law is infected with chicken pox. My wife has already had chicken pox in her ealry schooling days. I have a few questions as below:- 1) Is it advisable for my wife to stay in the same house as we are? 2) Would there be a chance that a person would get infected more than once in life with chicken pox? 3) We performed a Varicella IGG test for my wife and the report says equivocal, what does this mean? ( I have attached the report for your reference) 4) How bad and critical is it for her to get infected at this stage of pregnancy? Is there anything that could be done to protect the baby if she gets infected.
Wed, 20 Feb 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Your question is very important, though the answer is a bit complex, let me explain it in points.
1. The infection can cause serious risk to the baby if got during 5th to 20th week of pregnancy. Though only 2 per cent of babies develop the syndrome.
2. For this reason, your wife must avoid any contact with people who have the disease and if she has been in contact recently she may be given immunoglobulin (within 10 days of exposure) if she is not immunized.
3. Generally, the infection gives life long protection, if obtained once in life but there may be exceptions.
4. An equivocal test should be repeated within 10 to 14 days to make the matter clear.
5. Only a person who is IgG positive and IgM negative indicated immunity.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman, General & Family Physician
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What Are The Maternal Risks Of Varicella In Pregnancy?

Hi, Your question is very important, though the answer is a bit complex, let me explain it in points. 1. The infection can cause serious risk to the baby if got during 5th to 20th week of pregnancy. Though only 2 per cent of babies develop the syndrome. 2. For this reason, your wife must avoid any contact with people who have the disease and if she has been in contact recently she may be given immunoglobulin (within 10 days of exposure) if she is not immunized. 3. Generally, the infection gives life long protection, if obtained once in life but there may be exceptions. 4. An equivocal test should be repeated within 10 to 14 days to make the matter clear. 5. Only a person who is IgG positive and IgM negative indicated immunity. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman, General & Family Physician