Slapped cheek

[CathyandHeathcliff]

I'm around 11 weeks pregnant and I work in a school, my headteacher just informed me that there's slapped cheek at the school. Apparently it can be harmful. What do I need to do about this? She just said contact your midwife for advice.

I'd stay at home. Not worth the risk at all. I know someone that caught this whilst pregnant and it was established (post mortem) as having been the most likely cause of a very late miscarriage (21 weeks).

I'm now really worrying I may have caught it already as it's probably been going around the school for a while.

The only thing you can do is see the gp and get the test. Step by step. 50% or more of people are immune. You could be one of them. The actual chances of infection if you aren't are low and even if infected, you don't always pass onto baby. I'm sure it's something like 15%. And even then the serious risks are low. The very small risks are enough to take it seriously however, which is why we talk about them, and you're absolutely doing all you can to deal with it and minimise risk.

I know schools are well versed in following the guidelines; c pox always gets reported, I got a text from my child's school regarding the slapped cheek in early years.

Phone in tomorrow, see gp and try to distract yourself with crap tv

15% at your stage.

I've decided I'm not going to go in today. Or until I get the results of my blood test. I don't want to risk it, although it's a small chance, it's still a chance and I wouldn't forgive myself. I know I've already been exposed to it but hopefully I can give myself and baby a good chance. I hope my headteacher and rest of the staff are ok about it x

Well done. I think it's reasonable.

Try not to care what they think. It's not easy to put your your baby in known danger and I think most would agree.

One colleague keeps warning me of every single illness her class has and telling me not to come in (eg impetigo! They also had scarlet fever, which I've had.) Which I'm more likely to get from my own child.

And I was specifically told not to go back till they had the results as they tested immediately for recent exposure (as well as immunity) and pointed out it would negate the test to go back as you could catch it afterwards.

I hope the gp is supportive.

My DS caught it and I found out I was immune, my DM couldn't remember me having it so I was worried. A high percentage of adults are already immune so fingers crossed for you OP