I have shingles...and I'm pregnant. How bad is this?

[NorahsMom]

I'm 32 weeks. First of all, it's just weird, because I'm so young. But now I'm nervous about what it means for the baby. The doctors say everything should be fine, but I just don't like it. They prescribed some Valtrex but the dermatologist said that not taking it would only mean that my symptoms may be slightly longer and more uncomfortable. So I'm not planning on taking it (I don't like to take medication while pregnant). Anyone have any experience with this? Some reassurance, maybe?

[jmoon]

So weird, cuz my mom had shingles when she was pregnant with me! She was about as far along as you are too! Obviously, everything turned out fine! She was uncomfortable (not gonna lie, shingles aren't fun ) but the only effect on me was antibodies! I have been exposed to chickenpox many times as a kiddo (before the vaxcine) and never got it! All my sibs had it, but not me! So I would not worry too much, just try to rest and keep yourself healthy! I hope you get better fast!

ETA: My mom was 29.

[Brandy1010]

While it is dangerous I think that after 28wks there isnt as much of a.risk to the baby anymore. In the begining of my pregnancy my mil had it and was told to not be around her until it was gone for a week. At 33 wks my husband had them and was told it was fine... But it I did get them to call asap so I could get a.script.

[stevensmom]

I have had shingles since 9 years old.

I had them twice during early pregnancy. Which I mc both

I also had them while bfing dd. And acyclovir was safe during that time.

**I do know how to spell...my iPod on the other hand does not**

[jessi4jc]

I would take the meds. That particular drug is one that Boston was on for 9 months, starting from birth. It's pretty safe and shingles is miserable. Make it as bearable as you can.

Other than that, I everything goes well for you!

Sent from iPhone which is out to get me for some reason that is unbeknownst to me. ISO YN Munki Sushi, AhMay sets, Small BG AIOs in blossom, twilight, grasshopper, butternut, zinnia, moonbeam, ribbit, clementine

[lilac0226]

I think it can be really bad in early pregnancy when baby is developing, however, I think by as far a long as you are it isn't as likely for development issues. Did your doctor tell you what warning signs you should be concerned about? I would think a high fever would be something to worry about. Hope it goes away soon. Get lots of rest and fluids. Are there any homeopathic remedies you might be able to try? So sorry you are having to deal with this.

I would also find out more about the medication. Look on-line but also I would recommend going and talking to a pharmacist. My doctor had prescribed me sleeping pills when I was having a lot of trouble sleeping and hadn't really told me anything other than that as far as they knew there weren't any complications. The pharmacist gave me way more information and made me feel a lot safer about taking it intermittently in early pregnancy but warned me not to take it in my 3rd trimester because it could stall labor.

[ssand23]

I had the chicken pox when I was pg with #3. I did take the meds. But I was told by my dr that there was a window when the meds would work, like with in a couple days of breaking out so if you have waited, I'd check with your doctor if the medication would still be effective if you are considering taking it now.

I was really sick for over a month. I got it at 5 months & thankfully it didn't seem to affect my dd at all (she's 9 now). My dr was most concerned about pneumonia. Supposedly, I chicken pox while pg can quickly become pneumonia. I'm not sure if that applies to shingles as well. They said there are 2 schools of thought, that it's okay as long as you don't get it in the 1st trimester or it's only safe in the 5th month. I think the big thing in the 3rd trimester is that you don't have it when you deliver.

I hope it passes soon & you aren't feeling too bad.

mom to 4, 3 big girls & 1 little boy ('94, '99, '02 & 12/30/09)

[NorahsMom]

Originally Posted by ssand23 I had the chicken pox when I was pg with #3. I did take the meds. But I was told by my dr that there was a window when the meds would work, like with in a couple days of breaking out so if you have waited, I'd check with your doctor if the medication would still be effective if you are considering taking it now.)

This is one big reason that I didn't take the meds. I didn't go to the doctor until the fourth day, because why the heck would I suspect shingles at my age! By that time, the blisters are basically done forming, which means the virus is done spreading. The meds only stop it from spreading, they don't make it go away any faster. So I haven't taken it. I'm just trying to boost my immune system so I can kick this thing. Luckily, my outbreak is very small, so I'm hoping that means that the virus didn't spread too far and will be over soon (?).

It seems like nobody really knows anything for sure about shingles during pregnancy (probably because it hardly ever happens!). I keep finding different info everywhere I look. It sounds like things should be okay as long as the baby isn't born for a few more weeks (which she shouldn't be, but I do have a history of pre-term labor), so that my body has a chance kick this virus and pass the antibodies onto the her. Also hoping I don't develop pneumonia because apparently the mortality rate for varicella pneumonia in pregnant women is like 40%. I'm kinda nervous.

[solnishka7]

My bf's brother who is 24 has them too his doc told him if I go into labor in the next week he shouldn't go near the baby for a while but he's been on meds so yesterday his doc have him the ok to visit me I. The hospital next Monday to his his new nephew... I'm so sorry u have to deal w that I heard its painful I'd def take the meds but that's just me