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Original poster

Zika and conceiving

56 replies

MSG92 · 24/02/2019 19:54

My husband is in the Army and is going away in May for 6 months, we have been planning to conceive for over a year, buying a new house which we are moving into in about 6 weeks, got a better job etc all in preparation for a baby. We thought we'd go on a nice relaxing holiday for 2 weeks before he goes, being pregnant when he's away means he won't miss birth etc so perfect timing.

Found out last week the countries we are going to have zika virus! Wasn't mentioned when we were booking. We are going on a cruise--Grand Cayman Islands, Panama, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia and Florida, only in each place for 1 day (8 hours ish) apart from Florida 4 days. This has ruined everything!!! I tried to change destinations but they will only let us if I am already pregnant, can't do that otherwise he won't be back for the birth.

We desperately don't want to wait, because he is going to zika countries as well so earliest we'd be able to try is next March-June (3-6 months after he returns), when you've been waiting a long time this adds so much more time!

What do people advise? Would really appreciate a GP and scientist opinion as well as other people in similar positions. We figured we will do our best to not get bitten by covering up and using repellent, both have blood tests then if clear start trying 4 weeks after we're back, I know it may not happen but I'd feel better if we at least got to try and get pregnant before he goes. I've read the test is 97% accurate and zika can live in sperm longer than blood, so what if he (sorry to be crude) ejaculates a lot before we start trying as well, will that help?

As I said we will only even consider this if we don't get bitten and the blood tests are clear.

OP posts:
Snipples · 25/02/2019 05:14

We cancelled our trip when we were in your position OP. Sorry. Not worth the risk. One option is to go. Use protection and then have the private test for Zika when you get back to confirm if you can ttc or not. I think it's a few hundred quid but would save you the long wait.

Kinsters · 25/02/2019 05:07

I live in a zika area and we're TTC. Not much we can do about it except try not to get bitten (but that's almost impossible and it will spoil your holiday if you're stressing about it the whole time).

I just look at it as another risk similar to toxoplasmosis, listeria, etc. You can take steps to guard against it but don't let it rule your life. I guess it's a bit different for me living in a zika area though.

Could you go and see if you get bitten and then take it from there? Although if you're older and don't feel you can delay anymore maybe cancel the holiday.

LondonGirl83 · 24/02/2019 22:54

Depends on your age and how many children you want but if children and timing are the priority then I wouldn't go. Those are relatively high risk areas.

So sorry you find yourself in this difficult position.

RMarieClaire · 24/02/2019 22:38

Oh god, OP. This is so difficult. I think going but still trying would be a mistake. It's a huge risk to the baby. Then again, if you don't go there's no guarantee you'll get pregnant.

Could you start trying now, in the hope you're pregnant before you go and can cancel?

Otherwise, I would consider just letting the money go (maybe try to factor it as an extra house expense - there are so many it all kind of blurs anyway)

Original poster
MSG92 · 24/02/2019 20:25

Thanks Lucyylu,
Yes, it's the advice we were given but for us it won't be 6 months, it will be a wait of approx 13 months minimum from now... We would cancel our holiday if we wouldn't lose all the money, we want a baby more but can't afford to lose what we've paid

OP posts:
lucyylu · 24/02/2019 20:13

We had our honeymoon in Mexico and didn’t realise before we booked about Zika virus. As much as we tried to prevent being bitten, we both were. I went to the gp when I got home and he said to definitely not try for 6 months - he said it just wasn’t worth the risks. It was devastating at the time as 6 months seemed so long but it passed really quickly. I know this story won’t be the one you were hoping for but I’m happy we waited- better to be safe.