The fever is higher and continues for a longer time. The rash is usually heavier with deeper and more lesions. The likelihood of complications isgreatertoo. Adultsare more ' likely to suffer from pneumonia. The chances of complications and risk to life tend to be higher when chickenpox is contracted later in life.
Some viral infections are dangerous in pregnancy.
The interaction between chickenpox and pregnancy would depend on the timing of contracting the infection during pregnancy. If chickenpox is contracted by the pregnant lady during the first three months of 'pregnancy, there is a risk of congenital foetal malformations, or chances of abortion. Infection later in pregnancy but not too close to delivery allows maternal antibodies to be passed on to the foetus thus offering protection. Maternal chickenpox within 5 days prior to delivery or 2 days after is dangerous as this can result in transmission of the virus without antibodies to the child. Such chickenpox in the newborn can be life threatening as the baby's immune response is poorly developed at this time.