Summary
Varicella, the primary infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV; human herpesvirus 3), in pregnancy may cause maternal mortality or serious morbidity. It may also cause fetal varicella syndrome (FVS) and varicella infection of the newborn, which includes congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) and neonatal varicella.
This guideline addresses the role of varicella vaccination in susceptible women of reproductive age. The guideline also assesses the evidence regarding the maternal and fetal risks of VZV infection in pregnancy and whether or not these complications can be prevented or modified beneficially by the administration of varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) or by treatment of infected individuals with aciclovir.
This information should guide the prudent use of VZIG, which is manufactured from the plasma of human blood donors and hence is a limited and expensive resource.
The management of neonates is outside the scope of this guideline. Guidance on neonatal exposure and disease is available on the www.gov.uk website.
COVID disclaimer
This guideline was developed as part of the regular programme of Green-top Guidelines, as outlined in our document Developing a Green-top Guideline: Guidance for developers (PDF), and prior to the emergence of COVID-19.
Version history
This is the fourth edition of this guideline.
Please note that the RCOG Guidelines Committee regularly assesses the need to update the information provided in this publication. Further information on this review is available on request.
Developer declaration of interests
Available on request.