Don't know if my parents should visit

[lostandlonely20]

Hey! I have lived abroad since early 2020, I haven't seen any family since then except for for one week late last year when my parents visited after I had a late miscarriage. After they left I thought we'd be able to see them after Christmas, but the Kent variant and then the new variant have basically put us in a never ending loop of travel restrictions where one side couldn't travel since October.

Now I am pregnant again and I've been advised not to travel due to the risk of clotting after losing the last baby. My parents are double vaccinated and the travel restrictions have been lifted. I'm desperate to see them, it's been so hard being abroad not seeing family after losing a baby, but they are in their 70s and I am worried about the new variant as my Dad is not that healthy. I know the restrictions have been lifted, but I'm also aware that the numbers are going up and I'd hate for my parents to catch covid just because they came to visit me, but I also hate the idea of possibly not seeing them until next year if the numbers get worse in the winter, and that they won't see me at all during this pregnancy. Also, I'm not vaccinated as they are not recommending it for pregnant women here. My parents have said they are happy for me to decide, and that the baby and my health are the most important things. I am anxious during this pregnancy as I lost the last one at 19 weeks so I want to protect this baby. It's been really tough for the last year and I'd love to just hug my parents. What would you do in my situation?

I’d definitely see my parents. Would it be a long journey for them to visit you?

My friend had her elderly parents visit from abroad. They chose a time when her and her family could isolate beforehand and decided they'd enjoy their time together either in the house, garden or going for a walk at quiet times - apparently they had a lovely time as they just enjoyed eachother's company. That's about as safe as you can get.

Do it now before cases go up and they might not be able to.

Get them to take some boxes of lateral flow tests so they can test before they see you. I think now is the best time really.

Enjoy it and good luck with the pregnancy x

@livingwithbees I live in Germany and it's only a 2 hour flight, but then I think 2 hours on a plane is enough time to catch something. I think the lockdown and isolation has definitely affected my ability to rationalise the risks and I catastrophise a lot so maybe it wouldn't be that bad.

@ifonly4 yes I was thinking of probably only meeting them outdoors, I think it's the travel I'm worried about. They live in a rural place and are pretty sheltered, and we live in a city so I worry about bringing them to a busier situation

@Girlmama3 thank you and yes I was thinking the same about now being the best time to come. I'm just really hoping they can visit in November after the baby is born but who knows at this point!