Chickenpox, shingles and other infections in pregnancy: what to do if you’re exposed

Most infections around you in pregnancy are harmless. A few can affect your baby, though, so it helps to know which ones to take seriously and who to call. The short answer is always the same: tell someone early.

The rule of thumb

If you’re pregnant and you’ve been near someone with chickenpox, measles, rubella or slapped cheek, or you have symptoms yourself, tell your midwife, GP or NHS 111 as soon as you can. Call your GP surgery before you go in, so they can keep you away from other patients.

Chickenpox and shingles

If you’ve had chickenpox before, you’re almost certainly immune. If you’re not sure, a blood test can check.

If you’re pregnant and have been near someone with chickenpox, contact your GP, midwife or NHS 111 straight away. Don’t wait for your next appointment. NCT adds that someone with chickenpox is contagious from two days before the rash appears, and that if you aren’t immune you may be offered an injection of antibodies. It must be given within 10 days of contact, and it can’t be given once the rash has started (RCOG leaflet, published 2015, so ask your midwife about current guidance). If you’re more than 20 weeks pregnant you can be given aciclovir, which should be given within 24 hours of the chickenpox rash appearing. Chickenpox is uncommon in pregnancy, and complications are more likely if you smoke or have a lung condition.

You can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you haven’t had chickenpox, though you can’t catch shingles from someone with chickenpox. Tell your midwife or GP if you’ve been near either. Getting shingles yourself in pregnancy is usually mild, and the NHS says there is usually no risk to you or your baby. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you have shingles symptoms.

Measles

The NHS says measles in pregnancy could harm your baby and can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, premature birth and low birthweight. If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles, or you think you have it, ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111. The MMR vaccine isn’t suitable in pregnancy, so if you’re not sure you’re vaccinated, ask your GP about it for after the birth.

Rubella (German measles)

Rubella is uncommon, but it can harm your baby, with the highest risk early in pregnancy. The NHS says it isn’t thought to be a risk after 20 weeks. If you have a new rash or have been near someone with rubella, call your midwife, maternity unit or GP immediately. Your GP can vaccinate you for free if you’re not immune, once you’re no longer pregnant.

Slapped cheek syndrome

This is common in children and usually mild. Tell your midwife or GP if you’ve been near someone with slapped cheek, because there’s a very small risk of miscarriage or other complications. If you think you have it yourself, see a GP.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

CMV is a common virus that is usually harmless, but passing it to your baby during pregnancy can cause problems, such as hearing loss. The NHS suggests: wash your hands with soap and water, especially after nappy changes; clean toys that may have a young child’s saliva or urine on them; don’t share food, drinks or utensils with young children; and avoid kissing them on the mouth. See a GP if you’re pregnant and have symptoms.

Toxoplasmosis

You can catch this from infected cat poo or undercooked meat. In pregnancy it can cause miscarriage or serious problems for your baby. The NHS suggests wearing gloves for gardening and washing your hands afterwards, avoiding cat litter if you can (or wearing gloves and washing your hands if you can’t), washing fruit and vegetables well, and cooking meat thoroughly. See what you can and can’t eat in pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and have symptoms, get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111.

Vaccines that protect you and your baby

See whooping cough, flu and RSV vaccines in pregnancy and the Covid vaccine during pregnancy.

Questions people ask

Can I catch chickenpox twice?

NCT says that once you’ve had it, your body makes antibodies, so you can’t catch it again. The virus can come back as shingles later.

I was near someone with chickenpox but I think I had it as a child. Should I still call?

Yes, contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111 straight away. A blood test can check whether you’re immune, which settles the question.

Can I get the MMR vaccine while pregnant?

The NHS says MMR isn’t suitable in pregnancy. Ask your GP about it for after your baby is born.

Should I stay away from cats?

No. The NHS says you can’t catch toxoplasmosis from owning a cat or being near one. The risk is from cat poo, so avoid cat litter or wear gloves and wash your hands.