Will chicken pox during pregnancy affect the fetus?

Q: My wife is 26 weeks pregnant and has contracted chicken pox. Her doctor has advised her not to take any anti viral drugs. What will be the risk to the unborn baby and the mother?

A:There is no need to give anti viral because chicken pox is a self limiting disease. However, if the need of antiviral arises due to the severity of symptoms then one can use antivirals safely. However, there is always a small chance of transmission to the baby which can only be dealt after delivery in a hospital with a good paediatric setup.