Possibility that DH may have measles - I'm 39 weeks pg...

[RhinestoneReindeerHerder]

We've called NHS Direct and they say will call back in an hour. Does anybody know what the implications are?

Oh and we have a toddler too, but he is up to date with vax.

Do you have any way of finding out whether you have had it before? If you have, your baby should carry some maternal immunity - thias is why MMR not given till 13mo, as it would 'conflict' with the immunity already there I think.

my son had suspected measles at 10mo and one of the swabs came back positive, and they said it prob wasn't measles but he just had my antibodies. I was bfing at that time.
Are you planning to bf?

If you've had measles as a kid, or a vaccinated against it then you (and baby) will be fine.

If you're not sure of immunity status you're best to see your GP on Monday - think its mainly only a problem earlier on in pregnancy as can casue prem labour/miscarriage. But see your GP to check.

My mum would know whether I've had it (not sure whether I would have had jabs for it myself?). She's away for the weekend, have left a message for her.

I am planning to bf, so hope that would give some protection.

did you have measles as a kid then you'd have life-long immunity which will protect your pregnancy too

if you were vaccinated instead you will need to have blood tests to check your immunity as vaccines are not for life

I would not worry unduly tbh

Thanks for replies - does anyone know when measles vaccination came in? I am 30 and know my mother kept us up to date with everything.

I am not particularly worried - was more bothered that DH spent the morning snoring in bed when I really could have done with some help with childcare (I'm afraid I had diagnosed manflu). DS has had stinking cold all week and think I'm getting it too.

I am 34 and when was pregnant with my daughter in 2000 my nephew had measles and shat all down my leg! We looked into it and I had had the vaccine and so was covered - if you can work that one out to be of any help good luck!

You should have had the vaccine as it was introduced in the late 60's/early 70's

I don't think I had the vaccine. I think my sister might have done, not sure why I didn't. But I had measles when I was about 9 or 10 anyway...we think...

You're the right age to have received measles jab, although it was optional until the MMR (introduced in 1988). A lot of people didn't bother.

There was quite a bit of measles around in the early 80's though so I suspect you have some sort of immunity & if you haven't had it would assume you've been vaccinated.

What makes you think dh has it? The rash comes up in a very specific way (behind ears, forehead, then moves down- usually with cough and often sore eyes as well). Usually ill for a few days before the rash as well (with heavy cold type illness and small spots in mouth)

Give your dh some cod liver oil (for the vitamin A- good for measles).

jimjams, could I ask you a couple of questions about the mmr that I can't find the answer to elswhere and suspect you might know?

I can start another thread if necessary. Will wait and see if you're still around first.

Thanks all.

jimjams - that's v useful info, thanks. NHS Direct have called back and don't seem to think that he's ill enough for measles, think it's prob a viral rash and have advised anti-histamines. Just to be sure he's going to go to the NHS drop-in centre in town, but I think it's prob not measles. DH is only a few years older than me, so in all likelihood was vaccinated (can't get hold of MIL atm).

SOH- I have to go out now to fetch ds2, but do ask I will check later on tonight. (I can search on your name easily enough- my parents love Show of Hands!)

Thanks jimjams, will start a thread and link to it from here when done as well.

Your parents have very good taste

Rhinestone, sorry to hijack. Get well soon to dh.

No probs SOH (I think the main thing we're suffering from in this house is pre-labour jitters...)

thread here

Thank you!

Labour, easy Rhinestone, sneeze it out.

[denial]

You will probably be immune due to vaccination. Someone I worked with had shingles and insisted on coming into work when I was pg with ds1. I was also worried but phoned the hospital and they checked my records and confirmed my immunity.

Quick update - DH has just phoned from the drop-in centre, he has shingles. Which as I've had chicken pox as a child, should be fine.

Just be aware that until his blisters are crusted over the hospital may not want him on the labour ward - worth thinking about if you go into labour in the next few days.

your toddler will prob get chicken pox too, if not had already so maybe plan some back up childcare? there is u to 20 days incubation period

hope your dh better soon

StripeKnickers - planning for homebirth, have a doula booked and my mum coming to stay around my due date, so should have plenty of other support.

It's jsut getting through the next week - was relying on DH to help out as I'm so tired now.

Great timing eh?

Well at least he can definetly be at the birth.

Have you got a DC already? If so can your mum come down early to help look after them so you can rest? Good luck! Hopefully your DH will only have it mildly.

Thanks StripeyKnickers, just had a moment of feeling sorry for myself but had a quick chat with my doula and feeling a bit more postive.

Yes, we have 2yr old DS, who is of course full of energy (unlike his knackered parents). I know my mum would be down here like a shot if I really need her, so should be ok.

Fingers crossed it is a mild dose...

The homebirth plans should fit in well then! Great that you have a doula, hopefully she should be another source of support.

I hate to be the voice of doom and gloom but i would buy in some piriton syrup and calamine lotion just in case (my dcs have just had chicken pox and as dd was old enough to have the prirton syrup on the worst day it really helped)