In this article:
What Is Shingles and How Can It Occur During Pregnancy?
Shingles is a condition that develops due to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus does not totally disappear but remains dormant in the nerve tissues, ready to become active later in life when it develops into shingles.Pregnancy can predispose you to such virus activation since stress, exhaustion, and changes in immunity associated with pregnancy may lead to activation of the virus. Shingles during pregnancy is a rather rare condition.
What Does Shingles Rash Appear Like?
Shingles rash usually appears as a painful, blistering rash in a band, typically on one side of the body or face, not all over the body. The most common signs and symptoms of shingles rash include the following:- Pain, itching, or tingling sensation, occurring even before a rash appears
- Red rash that changes into fluid-filled blisters in a single region of the body, usually one side of the torso
- Fatigue and fever in some
Is Shingles Harmful to Your Baby?
This is usually the main concern, and fortunately, the answer is that shingles occurring while you are pregnant poses no danger to your baby. This is different from getting the chickenpox virus for the first time while being pregnant, as there is a small risk associated with it for your child, especially if it occurs during the first 20 weeks.Since you had chickenpox before or got the vaccination, you and your baby are already protected from it, despite having shingles. The only thing you need to be careful about is if you get shingles shortly before giving birth, when your doctor will explain how to prevent any direct contact between the rash and your baby.
How Is Shingles Diagnosed in Pregnant Women?
If you notice that you have rashes, discuss this with your doctor immediately. You will be subjected to a physical examination, and they will determine whether the rashes are caused by shingles. The diagnosis can also be confirmed through laboratory tests.Your diagnosis of shingles will be made by the doctor on the basis of your symptoms. The symptoms of shingles may be a rash that develops on one side of the body and pain in the areas where the rash develops.
The doctor can choose to test for a skin culture in order to confirm your diagnosis. The process is normally done by taking a sample of the skin tissue from the rash blisters to the laboratory for testing.
How Is Shingles Treated Safely While Pregnant?
The treatment of choice for shingles is usually an antiviral drug, and several antiviral drugs can be safely prescribed during pregnancy. The sooner you start taking the drug once you notice the rash, the better your chances will be of reducing your symptoms.In addition to antiviral drugs, your doctor might prescribe:
- Painkillers, with Paracetamol being the drug of choice throughout pregnancy
- Antihistamines, for itch relief, if necessary
- Antibiotics, if there is a secondary infection of the rash
When Should You Speak to Your Doctor?
Tell your doctor right away whenever you suspect that you may have shingles, and speak up if you experience any of the following symptoms:- If you have a blistered rash anywhere on your body
- If you have a rash around your eyes, requiring immediate care to preserve your vision
- If you have a fever or are feeling unwell along with your rash
- If there is any indication of an infection at the rash area, such as increased redness, heat, or pus formation
- If you do not remember whether you have ever had chickenpox, and believe that you have come into contact with either shingles or chickenpox
- If you get shingles while you are close to your due date
Having shingles while being pregnant may be scary, particularly when suffering from such a painful rash; however, things should look positive for both you and your baby. Contact your doctor at the first signs of shingles and follow their advice.
FAQs on Pregnancy and Shingles: Causes, Risks, and Safe Treatment
- Can I give shingles to someone else?
It is not possible to transmit shingles to other people; however, if you come into close contact with a person who has never suffered from chickenpox, they will get chickenpox. - Is it possible to get the shingles vaccine if I'm pregnant?
There is no shingles vaccine during pregnancy. If you want to get vaccinated against shingles, you should discuss this issue with your doctor before/after your pregnancy. - What to do in case I think that I have shingles?
Contact your doctor as quickly as possible, since antiviral drugs are more effective if they are taken immediately.
