Can my unborn baby get chicken pox? | Expert Q/A

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Expert Q&A

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Question:

I am 15 weeks pregnant and have already had chicken pox as a kid. My question is, is my unborn baby at risk of getting chicken pox if I was exposed to someone who has it? My niece is coming to visit and there has been an outbreak of chicken pox at her school.

Answer:

Once you have had chicken pox you are immune. Your unborn baby is also protected from that immunity, so no, there is no risk of exposure to the fetus if the pregnant woman is immune.

By Roseann Gumina
Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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