Pregnant women self-treat chickenpox causing complications

Phu Tho A 22-week pregnant woman had chickenpox but did not go to the hospital for examination but bought medicine herself, leading to itching and blisters all over her body.

On May 27, doctors at Hung Vuong General Hospital diagnosed the patient with serious complications, fortunately the health of the mother and fetus were not abnormal. After treatment, the blisters gradually dried, but the pregnant woman continued to be monitored to prevent abnormal developments.

Chickenpox is an acute disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is a benign disease, usually cured after 7-10 days. However, the disease is dangerous for pregnant women, easily causing complications, leading to miscarriage and leaving birth defects.

Pregnant women with chickenpox have a 20% risk of developing pneumonia due to the varicella virus, and a 40% risk of dying from complications of pneumonia. The mortality rate in pregnant women is the highest among adults with this disease.

The disease is most dangerous for pregnant women in the 13-20 week of pregnancy, due to a weakened immune system, which can cause miscarriage or the fetus to have skull deformities, multiple heart defects, and microcephaly.

Newborns who contract chickenpox from their mothers have a very serious course, with a 30% mortality rate.

Chickenpox blisters covered the patient's face. Photo: Provided by the hospital

The disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract, often breaking out in winter and spring when the weather is warm. Secondary infection is the most common complication of chickenpox, the virus can enter the blood causing sepsis. In addition, there are other complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, cerebellum.

The best way to prevent the disease is vaccination. Doctors recommend that women should get vaccinated before pregnancy, not when pregnant. Patients need to be isolated, and items such as clothes and towels should be soaked and washed separately, dried in the sun, and ironed. Absolutely do not use drugs or puncture blisters on your own, which can lead to infection and endanger your life.

Minh An

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