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 Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn
department at the University of California, Los
Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor
to national health agencies on women's health issues and has
received numerous international honors for this work.
Q: I don't know if I've ever had chicken pox. Should I consider getting the vaccine before trying to become pregnant?
A: Contracting chicken pox while pregnant is dangerous. During the first few months, it can cause abnormalities in
the fetus, including limb malformations and mental retardation. In late pregnancy, it can lead to a very severe and
potentially fatal form of pneumonia in the pregnant woman. A simple blood test can tell you whether or not you've
had chicken pox. If the results show that you haven't had the disease, you should be immunized before becoming
pregnant. Your doctor will probably advise waiting two months after getting the vaccination before trying to
conceive. The vaccine includes a live virus, and while this doesn't pose the same risks as contracting chicken pox,
doctors advise waiting just to be extra cautious.
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