Pregnancy is a delicate condition for women because any kind of disease or infection tends to affect the fetus. Pregnant women always worry about infections and diseases. There are some kinds of infections that get transferred from the mother’s blood stream to the fetus. The baby can also get an infection during labor and delivery. However, an infection can be dangerous for an unborn or newborn baby. That is why when a preganant woman learns about shingles, she would like know what are the risks involved if she is exposed to it.

Shingles and chicken pox are caused by a virus called varicella zoster. It is also called the herpes zoster virus. The same virus causes two different diseases. These diseases can even affect the brain and cause meningitis if left untreated. If a pregnant woman is exposed to the zoster virus, it can be risky. However, a lot depends on which stage of pregnancy you are in.

If you develop chicken pox within 30 weeks of pregnancy, there are chances that the baby will be born with a birth defect. However, different health experts believe in different things. The chances of developing this condition during pregnancy are also rare. Experts also believe that developing shingles during pregnancy may not affect the baby at all. However, even though it is a rare occurrence, the treatment for shingles during pregnancy is same as normal people.

If you are pregnant and get shingles, you should see the doctor immediately. The doctor will perform an antibody test to determine if you are immune to the virus or not. If not immune, immunoglobins are given to prevent chicken pox. The injection is effective for four days after first exposure. The medicine continues to work 10 days after development of the disease. The medicines do not affect the fetus. There is no scientific evidence to prove that shingles affect the fetus adversely.

Pregnant women are given Category B medications. That means that these medications are considered safe during pregnancy. The United States Food and Drug Administration certifies various medications that are safe and usable. According to them, drugs classified under Category B were not studied enough. However, as per research these medications did not have adverse effects on pregnant animals.

Along with anti viral drugs, medications for pain are also given to treat shingles. Pain medications are given based on the number of weeks of pregnancy. Some NSAIDs do not suit pregnant women and include medications like aspirin or Advil and Motrin. Also, pregnant women should never take over the counter medications on self prescription without asking the health care provider.

Typically, women do not develop shingles during the course of their pregnancy. However, if they have been exposed to a person infected with shingles, they should immediately consult their doctor without waiting.

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