Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the varicella herpes zoster virus, the same herpes virus that causes shingles. Most people catch chickenpox as a childhood disease. The effects of the illness can be far more serious for chickenpox and pregnancy in adults. Having chickenpox while pregnant can increase the risks for birth defects. For womens health, pregnant women should avoid exposure to the herpes zoster virus related to shingles and chickenpox while pregnant to avoid possible exposure to the virus and reactivation of the chickenpox virus which has been associated with child birth defects.