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Chickenpox exposure in pregnancy — DRCOG MCQ

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ModerateAntenatal CareChickenpox exposure in pregnancyDRCOG

A 27-year-old teacher is 20 weeks pregnant and has been exposed to a pupil with chickenpox. She is unsure whether she had chickenpox as a child. She has no rash or fever and is otherwise well. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Check varicella zoster IgG urgently

Maternal varicella immunity should be checked urgently after significant exposure if the history is uncertain. Antiviral treatment is for established infection or specific post-exposure scenarios, and MMR is not relevant to varicella. Fetal ultrasound is not the first step before confirming susceptibility. The teaching point is that primary varicella in pregnancy can be serious, but management starts with confirming immunity.

Reference: RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 13; UKHSA varicella guidance