Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, it is a highly contagious airborne infection that can also be spread through direct contact. Symptoms include fever and an itching rash together with blisters. The rash typically appears on the trunk and spreads to the rest of the body. Most pregnant women have had the infection as a child. Most women in the US are screened for chickenpox at their very first prenatal visit. This is part of the routine lab work done at week 12. If you get infected, there is a risk that the infection will pass to the baby. The infection is treated with antiviral drugs prescribed by a physician.
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