WWYD- Zika in pregnancy

[twentynineteen]

Hi, I'm 12 weeks pregnant and had my 12 week scan today (thankfully all is week). It was a happy day until an hour ago....

We are due to go on holiday in 2 days time to Cape Verde. My husband has today found out that there is a Zika risk and has said that it is too risky and we shouldn't go even though the risk is low. I'm devastated. I know he is thinking of my health and the unborn baby's but that doesn't change how I feel.

We will also have an extremely disappointed LG (5) when she finds out we are not going on holiday.

This year has been tough, OH is dealing with severe anxiety and depression and I have been working towards this holiday as my escape and to keep my sanity. The holiday was booked before BFP and our insurance will not cover us for 'changing our mind' as travel is not prohibited.

I still want to go... AIBU to want to go??? for all of our sanity but also reflecting the hard year we have had and the fact that things will change for my LG next year when baby comes. We cannot afford to go anywhere else if we loose the holiday money and my leave is fixed, in any case there are slim pickings for accommodation and flights in 2 days time.

What would you do?? Please help me find some rational and logical thoughts (rather than it's not fair, I want to go; or they should go and leave me home...)!

I wouldn’t risk it- baby is at risk of being severely disabled. I was meant to go to Gambia for a second time three years ago and it didn’t work out financially. Thank god it didn’t because I found out a week after that I was already a month pregnant.

Also can you not get a refund and go down south or somewhere like France? It’s beautiful in summer

Well even if you go your holiday will be ruined by stressing over it. You won’t be reassured until the baby is born. There are so many places to go without this risk seems perverse to go.

Why can’t you go to France or Italy? Far nicer.

it will likely be fine but if it wasn’t how would you live with yourself?

Did you book with a tour operator i would think there is a good chance they would let you postpone or switch locations but I could not go, I would be so worried about any bites even if risk is low. Get on phone tomorrow.

Thanks - we have booked with Tui but their terms and conditions are clear. We loose the money and cannot transfer. I'll call them today and find out what they say to confirm.

Holiday insurance doesn't look like I can claim as it was known to be a Zika area when we booked (but I wasn't pregnant then). I've also not declared that I'm pregnant to them - should have I? It's an annual policy. They are not open until Monday but I have booked a GP appointment for Tuesday (after our planned departure date) to see if they can do an unfit to fly letter or recommendation against travel to help a cancellation claim.

I'd love to be able to go somewhere else, but unfortunately we don't have a spare few thousand of pounds lying around to go to the south of France (just costed using 2*hotels and budget airlines, updated car parking etc)

At the moment, I'm hoping someone tests positive with covid so we can claim on the insurance for that!

Speak to Tui first. They might let you change destination.

We cancelled a holiday a few years ago for the same reason, annoying but not worth the risk in the long run for a holiday.

YABU. Why would you risk your baby’s health for a holiday? You’re taking about putting baby at risk of severe disability..

I wouldn’t go. You won’t enjoy it anyway. This is your child’s health v a holiday!!

I wouldn't go. However, I'd send DH & LG.
And then use the time to put my feet up and enjoy the peace and quiet.

If you are going down the insurance claim, you need to speak to them ASAP.
They usually have an emergency number. Same for Tui. If you wait until after the departure date , its going to be more difficult to get anywhere with them.

I would ring them and be very nice. They might be able to switch locations

Can’t DH and your little one go without you?

I've tried that - he doesn't want to...

What did you end up doing op?

I went to Bali years ago when pregnant because I was thinking it was Zika free and found out once there it's not really, there was still a low risk.

I was really careful with repellent and covering my skin and there weren't many mossies on the coast anyway. You can avoid sunrise and dusk when they are worst.

I mean women live and have babies in these places everyday and you are talking about a week or so... you could ring the resort and ask how prevalent mosquitos are in the area? I think they tend to be more around jungle areas than if you are in a beach resort. I'd be tempted to go and be careful.

Well, small update - I called Tui on Saturday morning and explained the issue (inc that insurance weren't open till Monday). They were able to amend the holiday (for free). Clearly, slim pickings on available hotels and flights but we found somewhere! Now leaving 48 hours later than planned but far, far away from Zika! Thank you everyone for your advice!

A good result. It just wasn't worth the risk.

Good to hear. Zika kicked off when i was pregnant so i called the travel company and they changed destination free of charge, couldn't risk it. Enjoy your holiday

@twentynineteen
So glad you got sorted.
Enjoy your holiday.

That’s a great advert for Tui. And definitely the right decision for you…

Thanks for update, fantastic you're sorted.

Without being smug that was my suggestion! They’ve got your money they keep your money and they have a happy customer so it’s win win.