AMost

pregnant women in the UK and Ireland have had chickenpox and are immune to the virus that causes it. If you’ve had chickenpox yourself, there’s no need to worry about contact with it when you’re pregnant.

If you haven’t had chickenpox you should get advice from your GP or midwife immediately, even if you have no rash or other symptoms, if:

• you are pregnant and you know you haven’t had chickenpox

• you’re not sure, and you’ve been near someone with chickenpox or shingles

Although it’s rare for chickenpox to cause complications for the woman and her baby. You should also get medical advice straight away if:

• you’re pregnant and you think you may have chickenpox

• you develop any rash when you’re pregnant, including a rash that develops after contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles.