hand, foot &mouth disease

[MissSMartin]

my sil decided to tell me that my niece had hand, foot &mouth Disease a few weeks ago after I had had my neice for at least 1hr sat on my lap yesterday.. im really worried there could now be implications now..
I don't see my mw again now until the 21st Aug when I'm 18w
Any recommendations?

thanks x

[AnxiousAggie]

I'm not sure but if it was a few weeks ago i would have thought you'd be okay? These things are usually contagious before symptoms come out and for the duration of symptoms. I don't think people continue to be contagious for weeks afterwards.

A heads-up of these things before visiting pregnant women is always appreciated. I do hate the casual "ah yes, we've all been terribly ill with a cold / flu / the plague but we're okay now" when you have no option of making a swift exit!

[CarrotVan]

You should be fine. If you were going to catch it then you would already have symptoms

[levellingtheland]

I recently had to look into this and, from what I read, there's no evidence that it can harm the baby in 2nd trimester. There's a slight increased risk of miscarriage in 1st tri, and potential problems if you have it while baby is being born, but otherwise ok. It's very possible you've had it already, so have immunity. My mw said if i start to get symptoms then they can check previous blood taken for immunity, though I'm not sure how that would help. Try not to worry, the greatest probability is you and baby will be fine.

[levellingtheland]

Also, I agree if she had it a few weeks ago, then she's unlikely to be still contagious. Call your midwife, though, and they should reassure you.

[MissSMartin]

I'm sure it's fine too.. I just panicked at the time lol .. thanks