- VZV infection during pregnancy may have a severe impact on the mother; maternal mortality and severe morbidity, and the fetus and neonate; fetal varicella syndrome.
- Pneumonia can occur in up to 10% of pregnant women with chickenpox.
- FVS occurs when the fetus is infected before 20 weeks of gestation.
- Pregnant women who develop the rash of chickenpox should immediately contact their GP.
- Oral aciclovir be prescribed for pregnant women with chickenpox if they present within 24 hours of the onset of the rash and if they are more than 20 weeks of gestation.
- VZV immunoglobulin IgG is effective when given up to 10 days after contact; however, it has no therapeutic benefit once chickenpox has developed.
