Infection in Pregnancy

Varicella (Chicken pox) - Most adults have been exposed to chickenpox virus in their childhood. This can be checked by looking for specific antibodies in your blood. If you come in contact with someone infected with chickenpox you should consult your doctor for more advice. Fortunately the majority of mothers who get this infection in pregnancy will not harm their fetus.

HIV - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can lead to AIDS, which is often fatal. In the early days of the discovery of HIV, women were apprehensive of finding out if they were HIV positive, as there was little that could be done for the mother or baby. Now we are able to monitor the condition during pregnancy, giving treatment where necessary. By keeping the levels of virus low, and by not breastfeeding, the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby can be dramatically reduced. It is therefore wise to check your HIV status before getting pregnant.

Herpes - A sexually transmitted viral infection that leads to painful blisters in the vagina and groin area. If a first attack occurs late in pregnancy delivery by Caesarean Section is usually advised. If herpes has occurred sometime in the past, then treatment with antivirals such as acyclovir or famcyclovir is recommended from about 39 weeks gestation.