TTC possible AF Do I visit lambing farm?

[fireflyz]

Hi
I am ttc but due AF in next day or so, just wondering if I should go to visit a farm lambing time in this coming week?
I guess if AF appears then I am ok to go, but I am just wondering if the kind of nasty illnesses that can be carried would linger on and affect anything if I get pg next month?

[FiftyShadesOfGreen4205]

I think you should be okay if you don't come into contact with lambs. I know at petting zoos they advise pregnant women not to touch lambs or their pens... but if you don't have to go I wouldn't.

[JazzAnnNonMouse]

I would go

[KarenHL]

The advice for pregnant ladies isn't regarding general bugs. Some sheep carry a bacteria called enzootic ovine abortion that can be transmitted to humans. Therefore pregnant women are advised to not work with or handle pregnant sheep.

The website Moredun goes further and suggests anyone pregnant (not just farmers & shepherds) avoids pregnant or recently lambed sheep.

I don't want to scare you, but this illness is real. There are few documented cases in early pregnancy, but personally I would not risk it.

[KarenHL]

BTW, afaik, the means of how this actually is transmitted from ewe to human is unclear. I am horrified some PPs think this is trivial and prob ok to go.

Seriously, if you might be pregnant, postpone until a time when you know you aren't. This illness is precisely why I avoid my friends farm when I'm pg.

[Dillydollydaydream]

I'd probably avoid it just to be sure. My ds went to a junior farm with his school and his teacher and TA both didn't go as they were pregnant.

[Floggingmolly]

No, don't. The risk is actually very real.

[Ilikepancakes]

www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/934.aspx?CategoryID=54&SubCategoryID=131

The infections are rare in ewes so not every ewe is a risk but caution in warranted.

I think as long as you don't come into direct contact with lambing ewes, newborn lambs or equipment or surfaces that have come into contact with them and wash your hands thoroughly before eating then you would be alright to go.

[Jo178]

I have the same problem! Am currently in the 2ww and it's my toddlers playgroup visit to a farm this week where they will be bottle feeding lambs and kids.
DH is also going but I'm wondering if I'll be ok to go too and just avoid the lambs and wash hands thoroughly etc.
I might not even be pregnant but it's making me uneasy!
What's the general consensus?

[fireflyz]

Thanks everyone.
I might not even be pg (will know in a few days probably if AF appears) but after reading up further on this and imagining how I would feel, I think I'd be too worried to enjoy it. Oh well there's always next year for lamb visiting!

[Floggingmolly]

I wouldn't, Jo. Even pregnant farm workers are advised to keep away from the lambing sheds at this time of year. Best to be safe.