[Chickenpox and pregnancy].

Abstract

Chickenpox is a very infectious illness caused by a virus called herpes zoster (part of the herpes family). The medical name for chickenpox is varicella. Most people in the UK get chickenpox in childhood, when it is usually a mild infection causing a rash. Once you have had chickenpox, you cannot catch it a second time, which means you are immune. This is because your body produces antibodies (the body’s defence system against infection) to prevent you getting it again.