I'm having a baby in 2 weeks...

[SapphosRock]

ELCS at a busy hospital.

Just seen on the news the virus is expected to peak around then with 20% of the population becoming infected.

Slightly freaking out about caring for a newborn if me, DP, the baby and our DD all catch it, either before or after the birth.

Anything I can do now to mitigate the risks?

Would you let DD(4) visit the hospital to meet her new sibling?

[SapphosRock]

Okay a few of us in the same boat.

Really hoping it will be business as usual at the hospital but as we've seen from Italy a lot can happen in 2 weeks.

[Ready4abreak]

And, yes, at the moment I still intend to let my DS come into the hospital to meet his new brother.

[Ready4abreak]

Me too. ELCS 2 weeks tomorrow. Also need my mum to travel down to look after 3 year old DS whilst this is happening.

Just holding onto the fact that even peaking in 2 weeks doesn't mean that all (or even the majority) of people will have it so chances are still tiny.

Would definitely prefer not to have to be going into hospital just now though

[ChikiTIKI]

I am in the same boat but ELCS in just under 3 weeks.

I don't think I'm that likely to get the virus but do wonder how it might affect the hospital stay. E. G. Could be that visitors aren't allowed (I work in a different hospital which has said today that visitors are restricted to essential only). Could mean staff shortages too I suppose.

[Layladylay234]

Hi. I'm due at the end of May and also having an elective. I think the thing to remember is the chances of getting it are still minute. Google the percentage,I'm sure it's like 0.017% or something. And even if you DO get it, unless you have serious underlying conditions, you'll prob be fine and may not even notice.

The 20% will get it in two weeks time is all a prediction. There have been people on here predicting the cases are going to "explode" for weeks and it's not happened yet.

Try to find the positives,look at all the people recovering,over 50%.

[SapphosRock]

Yes it's reassuring that children don't seem to be badly affected. I am more worried about our ability to cope with a newborn and another DC if me and DP catch it. Assume we'd be expected to self-isolate so no visits from midwives, no family or friends able to drop in. It's daunting.

[Echobelly]

Under 9s don't seem to get it at all and newborns aren't at any risk. Most adults won't gave serious symptoms either. I know the timing's rotten but you and the baby are not in any extra danger. You might want DS to wait to see her at home and minimise hospital visitors for the sake of others though