DD has worms and family has been treated but what can I do - 16 weeks pregnant

[Janus]

My worst fear has been realised!! My youngest has had worms and the family have all taken their ovex tablet but I can't. My absolute fear is worms in pregnancy as I really don't think I can handle them wiggling away for weeks and not being able to take anything! I had worms when I was about 18 and found it soooo upsetting/uncomfortable and really cannot face not doing anything about it.
Is there anything I can do?? I obviously am just about the change all the sheets and towels, pjs, etc, anything else I can do??

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

I thought they could only perpetuate their life cycle if they were constantly reintroduced into the gut - ie they lay eggs around the anus but they need to be swallowed again to be able to hatch - they don't hatch outside and crawl back in. So as long as you are scrupulous about hygiene they should all die off.

[Janus]

I think you're right Kathy, but how long does it take for them to die 'naturally', I know ovex works within hours. I just can't stand the thought of weeks of wriggling for them to die. I haven't actually got them but trying to get as much info as possible incase I do get them, gulp!

I have a bath every morning so this should get rid of any eggs (if it happens) but should I change to a shower now, ie could the eggs get in the bath water and into me that way? Oh God, I feel ill thinking of this!

[phraedd]

they have a natural life of 2 weeks so as long as you make sure your hands are really clean, you should be fine

When my son had worms, i gave the 3 children ovex but neither hubby or i hadf it and we were both fine

Hygeine plays a huge part and children just don't seem to keep their hands clean enough or keep their grubby hands away from their mouths!

Good luck
xx

[Janus]

Oh crikey, how will I survive two weeks of the little buggers if I get it???!
I have worked myself into the ground today, stripped every bed, even the spare bed, washed and tumble dried the lot and washed every towel too. Is that enough?
It's good to hear you didn't get it when your children had it. Luckily mine wear pants and pjs so maybe I will be lucky that they haven't been flung all over the house!!
I'm sure my younger one keeps getting it because she is a thumb sucker. I have drilled the importance of hygiene but she's 4 and I'm sure she completely forgets at school. Shall I mention it to the teacher so they impress upon them all too?
Fingers crossed I'll stay clear.

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

Could you take some laxatives to try and clear them out faster?
There are lots that are fine in pregnancy, because some people have to take them to counteract the constipation caused by taking all that iron.

[Dinosaur]

My DSs had them when I was breastfeeding and I took grapefruit extract - it is very bitter but okay if you drink it straight down in a glass of orange juice - you should check though that it is not contra-indicated in pregnancy. It does do the trick.

[Bramshott]

I did a search for this on here once as I thought DD1 had them and I'm breastfeeding. There are a number of 'natural' things you can take - grapefruit extract being the main one (as mentioned), I think raw garlic, carrots?!? I'm guessing now, but do a search.