North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What should be done if a mother contracts varicella 6 days before delivery?

1. Nothing is required for the baby

2. Administer VZIG to the mother only

3. Administer VZIG to the baby at birth

4. Both VZIG to the mother and baby, and isolate the infant

The correct answer is: Both VZIG to the mother and baby, and isolate the infant

In the case of a mother contracting varicella (commonly known as chickenpox) shortly before delivery, it is crucial to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of infection to the newborn. When a mother has varicella within a week of childbirth, there is a significant concern for the infant, as the virus can be transmitted during delivery and may lead to serious complications. Administering Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG) to both the mother and the baby is essential. VZIG provides passive immunization to the newborn, helping to protect against the infection that could result from exposure during labor and delivery. This is particularly important because if the mother develops a rash close to the time of delivery, active infection poses a high risk to the infant. Additionally, isolating the infant is a recommended precautionary measure. This is to prevent any potential exposure to the virus in case the mother is still shedding the virus at the time of delivery. Isolation helps to ensure that if the infant does contract the virus, it can be managed appropriately and would also protect other infants in a neonatal unit or nursery setting. In summary, administering VZIG to both the mother and the infant and ensuring the infant's isolation are critical