Guidance on the management of chickenpox during pregnancy and post-exposure prophylaxis during pregnancy
The following guidance has been produced by WMAS in collaboration with the Community Pharmacy Clinical Advisory Group and the All Wales Antimicrobial Guidance Group
Version 1.0 – June 2026
Review date: May 2029
Guidance
The Community Pharmacy Clinical Advisory Group and the All Wales Antimicrobial Guidance Group have deemed that it is not appropriate to manage chickenpox during pregnancy and post-exposure prophylaxis during pregnancy under PIPS.
Chickenpox during pregnancy is a serious condition for both mother and baby. Clinicians should be aware of the increased morbidity associated with varicella infection in adults, including pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis. Rarely, it may result in death.
As such, these women require assessment by a healthcare professional who is appropriately trained in the clinical assessment of pregnant individuals.
For post exposure prophylaxis, the woman needs assessment of exposure and susceptibility which may involve requesting additional laboratory testing.
Pregnant women with chickenpox or exposed to chickenpox should be referred to their midwife or GP/NHS 111 for urgent assessment.
Useful links
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) green top guide
Recommends that women should immediately contact their GP should they develop symptoms suggestive of chickenpox for assessment and consideration of the need for hospital review.
National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical knowledge summaries (CKS)
Recommends considering the need for admission and seeking immediate specialist advice from an obstetrician regarding further management and outpatient follow up for the foetus.
10 Jun 26
Published.
