Chickenpox in Pregnancy

Chickenpox in Pregnancy - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)

Varicella, the primary infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV; human herpesvirus 3), in pregnancy may cause maternal mortality or serious morbidity. It may also cause fetal varicella syndrome (FVS) and varicella infection of the newborn, which includes congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) and neonatal varicella.

This guideline addresses the role of varicella vaccination in susceptible women of reproductive age. The guideline also assesses the evidence regarding the maternal and fetal risks of VZV infection in pregnancy and whether or not these complications can be prevented or modified beneficially by the administration of varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) or by treatment of infected individuals with aciclovir.

This information should guide the prudent use of VZIG, which is manufactured from the plasma of human blood donors and hence is a limited and expensive resource.

The management of neonates is outside the scope of this guideline.


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