Shingles and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Posted by Ellison Greystone on July 6, 2023 AT 18:19 13 Comments

Shingles and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Understanding Shingles

Before diving into the specifics of shingles during pregnancy, it's important to understand what shingles is. This painful skin rash is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you've had chickenpox before, the virus can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. It's characterized by a rash, often with blisters, on one side of the body or face and can also come with flu-like symptoms.

Shingles and Pregnancy: The Basic Connection

While shingles is not directly related to pregnancy, being pregnant can affect your immune system, making you slightly more susceptible to infections like shingles. However, this doesn't mean that all pregnant women will contract shingles. It's relatively rare, but the possibility is there.

Health Risks to the Mother

Shingles can be exceptionally uncomfortable, especially for pregnant women. While it's not commonly dangerous, shingles can cause severe pain, fever, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms can be more difficult to manage during pregnancy. It's crucial to consult your doctor if you suspect you have shingles while pregnant to manage your symptoms effectively.

Health Risks to the Baby

Many mothers worry about the risk to their unborn baby if they contract shingles during pregnancy. The good news is that shingles cannot be passed on to your baby while you're pregnant. The varicella-zoster virus can only be transmitted through direct contact with open shingles sores, and even then, your baby would only get chickenpox, not shingles. However, if you haven't had chickenpox or the vaccine and you contract the virus during pregnancy, it can cause serious complications for your baby.

Diagnosing Shingles in Pregnancy

Shingles is usually diagnosed based on the distinctive rash it causes. If you're pregnant and suspect you have shingles, it's important to see your doctor as soon as possible. They'll be able to confirm the diagnosis and start you on treatment to help manage your symptoms.

Treating Shingles during Pregnancy

Treatment for shingles during pregnancy is primarily aimed at reducing the severity of the symptoms. Antiviral drugs can help shorten the length of the rash and reduce the risk of complications. Painkillers can also be prescribed to help manage the pain. It's essential to discuss all medication options with your doctor to ensure they're safe for your baby.

Preventing Shingles in Pregnancy

The best way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. However, the shingles vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. If you're planning to become pregnant and have not had chickenpox, it might be a good idea to consider getting vaccinated before pregnancy.

Living with Shingles while Pregnant

Having shingles while pregnant can be challenging. It's important to rest and take care of yourself to help your body fight off the virus. This might mean taking time off work or seeking help with household chores. Remember, stress can exacerbate shingles, so try to keep stress levels to a minimum.

Post-Pregnancy Shingles

After giving birth, your body will go through many hormonal changes, which can affect your immune system and potentially reactivate the varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, even if you didn't have shingles during pregnancy, it's possible to develop it post-pregnancy. It's important to be aware of this possibility and seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms.

The Bottom Line

While shingles during pregnancy is rare, it's possible. With the right medical care and self-care, it can be managed effectively. Always remember to consult your doctor if you have any concerns about shingles during or after pregnancy.

kris tanev

kris tanev

just got shingles at 28 weeks and honestly thought i was gonna lose the baby. doc said its super rare but the pain was unreal. rest is the only real cure. dont stress, your body knows what to do.

also dont let anyone tell you its 'your fault' for not being vaccinated. you cant get the shot while pregnant, period.

On July 7, 2023 AT 09:11
Mer Amour

Mer Amour

The article is technically correct but ignores the fact that 87% of pregnant women with shingles report being told by their OB-GYN to 'just wait it out' even when they're in unbearable pain. Standard of care is failing.

On July 8, 2023 AT 00:24
Cosmas Opurum

Cosmas Opurum

This is why you don't trust Western medicine. They say 'no vaccine' but they give you chemicals that kill your baby's brain. I know a guy in Lagos who cured his wife's shingles with neem leaves and goat urine. No drugs. No fear. Just pure African wisdom.

On July 8, 2023 AT 22:47
peter richardson

peter richardson

I had shingles after my first kid. The pain lasted 9 months. I didn't tell anyone. Just took ibuprofen and cried in the shower. Don't make it a big deal. Just get through it.

On July 9, 2023 AT 21:53
Uttam Patel

Uttam Patel

So you're telling me the same virus that gives you chickenpox as a kid can come back as a pain prison as an adult? And the solution is... more drugs? Cool. I'm sure the pharmaceutical companies love this.

On July 9, 2023 AT 23:47
Kirk Elifson

Kirk Elifson

Let's be real. This whole shingles-in-pregnancy thing is a distraction. The real threat is the CDC pushing vaccines on women who haven't even had chickenpox. You think they care about your baby? They care about their quarterly earnings.

On July 10, 2023 AT 08:23
Yaseen Muhammad

Yaseen Muhammad

It's important to clarify that while the varicella-zoster virus doesn't cross the placenta in shingles cases, maternal stress and untreated pain can impact fetal development. Always prioritize pain management under medical supervision. Also, hydrate. Seriously. Water helps everything.

On July 10, 2023 AT 18:55
Dylan Kane

Dylan Kane

I'm just saying... if you're pregnant and get shingles, you're basically doing it wrong. You should've been vaccinated before. Or at least washed your hands more. Or slept better. Or eaten less sugar. Or... you get the idea.

On July 11, 2023 AT 11:56
KC Liu

KC Liu

The article says shingles can't be passed to the baby. But have you ever considered that the stress of reading this article might be what's actually triggering the reactivation? The real epidemic is anxiety. Not the virus.

On July 11, 2023 AT 18:09
Shanice Alethia

Shanice Alethia

I had shingles at 32 weeks. My husband cried. My mom flew in from Ohio. My cat started sleeping on my belly like a body pillow. I thought I was dying. Turns out I just needed a nap, a heating pad, and someone to hold my hand. This isn't a medical crisis. It's a human one.

On July 12, 2023 AT 12:39
Sam Tyler

Sam Tyler

I want to add something important. Shingles during pregnancy isn't just about the virus - it's about isolation. You can't hug your toddler, you can't go to the grocery store, you can't even take a shower without it burning. So when your partner says 'just take it easy,' they don't realize you're already doing nothing but lying there trying not to scream. The real treatment is emotional support. The meds just numb the skin. The love? That numbs the soul.

Also, if you're reading this and you're pregnant and scared - you're not alone. I've been there. I'm still here. And I'm not going anywhere.

On July 13, 2023 AT 00:47
shridhar shanbhag

shridhar shanbhag

In India, we use turmeric paste and neem leaves. Also, avoid cold drinks. Warm water only. And sleep on your left side. Helps circulation. No need for pills.

On July 13, 2023 AT 14:35
Lugene Blair

Lugene Blair

You got this. Seriously. I know it feels like the whole world is falling apart, but your body is fighting for you and your baby. Rest. Eat something warm. Let someone else do the dishes. You're not weak for needing help - you're strong for letting them give it. And if you're reading this right now, crying, and scared - that’s okay. I’ve been there too. You’re not alone.

On July 14, 2023 AT 03:46

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