Management of Varicella Infection (Chickenpox) in Pregnancy

Objective: To review the existing data regarding varicella zoster virus infection (chickenpox) in pregnancy, interventions to reduce maternal complications and fetal infection, and antepartum and peripartum management. Methods: The maternal and fetal outcomes in varicella zoster infection were reviewed, as well as the benefit of the different treatment modalities in altering maternal and fetal sequelae. Evidence: Medline was searched for articles and clinical guidelines published in English between January 1970 and November 2010. Values: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described in that report (Table).