WWYD? Don't know whether I'm over - reacting or being sensible...

[missmillimentscardigan]

Would really appreciate some advice about this. I posted about a month ago about possible exposure to slapped cheek at a toddler group when I was 14 weeks pregnant. Luckily it turned out that I did not contract it, although I also found out that I do not have immunity to it (50-60% of people do). I avoided toddler groups (DC1 is 2) while I was waiting for the repeat blood test to see whether I had contracted it, which was about a month and now I'm 19 weeks pg and not sure whether I should be ok to start going to a few groups again.

Have only recently moved to a new area and am a sahm atm so I don't really know anyone around here yet, plus ds loves going to groups and I don't want to deprive him. However, now I know I am not immune I feel anxious about contracting it, especially having read about how serious it can be for unborn babies. I was thinking that maybe I'd start going to a few groups once I'm past 21 weeks or so when the dangers are less. Nor ally it wouldn't bother me so much but it's starting to get a bit lonely, and tiring having to entertain ds all day. But obviously i dont want to do anything that could potentially harm the baby. What would you do?

With the figure you quote, that means there are 40-50% of the general population who aren't immune so quite a lot of us (I'd go so far as to say you have as much chance of being immune as you do of not being immune). Unless your gp said there is a particular outbreak in the area I'd probably say go to the groups and just practise good hand hygiene. You'll be exposed to a lot of bugs at any of these groups anyway as well as out and about in the community so now you have an increased awareness you will be on alert for any sign somebody might have something contagious. I work in a hospital and obviously can't avoid all bugs and it is about being sensible. I took responsibility for my own hand hygiene and chose to wash my hands rather than just rely on hand gel as this gets rid of more germs and then avoided contact altogether where it was confirmed the patient had something that was dangerous for me.
Let your boy have some fun and enjoy meeting new people at the same time. There will be time ahead when you can't get out to these groups as easily so get building those new relationships now

Thank you 2015. I agree with you, but I think what I'm worrying about is that it can have no symptoms until the rash appears, but still be contagious. And yes, I do want to meet people now as it'll be more difficult once dc2 arrives.