Avoid shingles exposure while pregnant?

I was planning on going to my aunt's house later this week, but I just learned that my uncle has shingles. I'm 4 weeks pg, so I'm wondering if I should go or if it would be too risky. My aunt said that my uncle won't actually be there that day, though. I called my OB this morning to see what the nurse had to say about it, and she said I could go, but just make sure I don't actually have any physical contact with my uncle (which I won't, because he won't be there), and to make sure I wash my hands thoroughly. I'm still feeling kind of nervous about it, and my husband has told me that I should probably play it safe and just not go. What do you all think? Is it too risky? Should I stay home, or is it safe to go?

You can't catch shingles, but you can catch chicken pox from touching the sores. If you have had chicken pox I would go if not I wouldn't.

They normally test your immunity to chicken pox in the first round of blood tests when you're pregnant, so i would only go if the tests say you're immune. Chicken pox is NOT good in early pregnancy, not a risk worth taking I don't think.

Hi, I am in the same boat. I just found out my grandmother (whom i am very close too) has shingles but I am unsure if i am preggo could be. That was the first thing the doctor said is anyone she knows pregant to stay away from just incase.
I am staying away!
good luck.

I wouldn't go if your uncle will be there. Even if you had chickenpox as a kid, it's not 100% immunity to shingles, and I wouldn't risk it if I were you.

So no, don't go!

I was around my sister numerous times while pg with DS3, while she had shingles. I just didn't touch her or her sores. I had chicken pox as a kid, though. My midwives didn't have any concerns about my being around her.

Thank you all so much for your replies! :agree: I've had chicken pox as a kid, but I was really young. I don't know, I'm not feeling comfortable taking any chances, so I think I'm going to play it safe and just skip it this time around. Thanks again for your help! :)