slap cheek/fith disease

[kinnies]

Dd has got slap cheek

Shes not too ill. Just like a bit of a cold and one v. red/purple cheek.

I am pg (will be 17wk on monday) and have no idea if I've had slap cheek myself.

Dont really know what to do (if indeed anything).

[dizzymac]

Hello. I'm a teacher and in my last pregnancy I came into contact with a child with slapped cheek. I was sent to the antenatal unit for a blood test to check for antibodies. Had I not had the antibodies I would have been monitored as I think there are a number of complications for the baby but that if caught can be treated. I seem to remember that unlike other illnesses that the problem was stronger outside the 1st trimester.

I don't want to worry you, most people have had slapped cheek as a child and don't know it, but it is worth letting your GP or midwife know. Just in case.

[kinnies]

Thanks Dizzymac,

I'll give my Mw a call first thing.
I looked on the web and it seems that most people are imune by adulthood so will try not to get my knickers in a twist too much.

[jellycat]

I was exposed to slapped cheek when I was about 13 weeks pg (IIRC the second trimester is the most risky stage unfortunately). I had the blood test and didn't have any antibodies, so had to have a second blood test a few weeks later (to see if I'd made any antibodies in the meantime, which would mean I'd contracted the disease). I was lucky though, my second blood test was clear so I didn't have to have any extra monitoring. It was quite stressful as I had to wait a couple of weeks for the results each time, so it was about 5 or 6 weeks of waiting before I got the all-clear.

Hope everything turns out OK for you.

[mummyzanne]

could u please explain wot the rash looks like on the face to make it look diff to just warm cheeks??? xxxx