Any advice please re birthday, being pregnant and Covid

[Himalayas22]

Hey everyone,

Can anyone provide any advice? This is my first ever post so please be nice 😊

It's my 30th birthday in a few weeks time, I'll be a few days off starting my third trimester and before the government's decisions for 19th July were announced I invited family and friends round mine for an outdoor party. So far there will be just under 30 people. Only planning an afternoon thing, with finger buffet food.

I'm now worrying that I shouldn't be having this party. I've had both my covid vaccines, but I work in a medical centre in reception and the number of people isolating has shot up this week. I'm worried now things will be worse in a few weeks time.

Should I cancel the party and do something just with my partner?

This was the one thing I was looking forward to doing, having a lovely afternoon seeing family and friends, some I haven't seen since pre covid and I've barely done anything this past year. But I am just not happy with the government's decisions for 19th July onwards.

Sorry if this was too long, thank you in advance for any advice x

I’m in Scotland so different rates and I haven’t had my first vaccine yet (only just been offered it but due in 3 weeks so just waiting til after). I had arranged a small garden party instead of a baby shower and I’ve cancelled it. It just didn’t seem worth the risk. I was trying to weigh up if I caught it or had to isolate or gave it to my partner would it really be worth it for this party? I’m mainly thinking of the birth though and how it will affect him getting in etc. You’re vaccinated too but I’ve still heard of quite a few people being floored with it. It’s so sad though because you just end up missing out on everything 🙄 I had bought a nice dress and stuff but now I’ve cancelled that and we’re going for a final dinner out (outside) this week then that’s me basically house bound, when really before having the baby I would of loved to see everyone and go out for as many dinners as I could since I probably won’t be able to after! X

I wouldn’t have it.
It was my 30th last year, right in the first lockdown. Ds was 10 days old on my birthday. Everything closed.
We just had a takeaway tbh, and will celebrate another birthday year bigger in future

No don’t cancel it! I wouldn’t. Especially if it’s outdoors and you’re jabbed,

You could get everyone to take a LFT before if you’re worried x

Could you tone it down to your closest 10 or 12 people? Then you can still have something to look forward to but it's less risk and you can do better distancing.
And make sure your friends know that if they have symptoms they need to book a proper swab, not just do a lateral flow (which are only for asymptomatic people)

I’ve just cancelled my baby shower 😢 I’m 35 weeks so I’ve literally been inside for over a year and a half and I’m double jabbed.
If you’re happy to have it and get everyone to LFT Then that’s one thing but if you’re not comfortable then listen to your gut.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help! It’s shit x

Don’t cancel, it would be such a shame. Have the party and enjoy yourself. It’s outdoors and you’re vaccinated, let yourself feel some normality.

Could you have a small party outdoors, so people can distance? 30 in what I assume is a normal size garden would be quite right, but just close family might feel less worrying. And you could ask them all to do LFTs.

@Sheisfee glad I’m not the only one, some of my friends didn’t seem to understand either since they’re not pregnant and they’re vaccinated 😕

I think if it’s your first you will be lonely after baby born def have the party but maybe reduce numbers get everyone to lft before coming. Provide hand gel and clean towels in the bathroom. Ask people to mask if nipping into the house: it’s been too long - we need some normality but with sensible precautions. Have fun. I loved my 30th.

Thank you everyone for your advice I really appreciate it. This is my first baby, so I feel this will be the last kind of party or gathering I have at home (or even go to any!) for a while.

I'll have a think about it as there are some really good points from you all on pros and cons. As far as I'm aware everyone I've invited are also double jabbed, and I'm close enough with them to ask them in advance to perhaps take a LFT just to be extra safe.

Sorry to those of you who have cancelled your baby showers, it is rubbish right now but like @Caspianberg said I suppose I can celebrate another birthday in the future! I'm so indecisive haha