Traveling to Kefalonia pregnant

[Clairabella1981]

I was looking for some advise please.
I've recently found out I'm pregnant, currently 4+6, so super early days. This was a shock for us and I am incredibly anxious after my first DS being born at 24+3 and then 2 miscarriages. I will be jndwr Fetal Medicine for this pregnancy.
We have a holiday booked to Kefalonia (booked a year ago), and due to go when I will be 8+3.
I'm not worried about sickness etc, but I am really nervous about Mosquito bites and associated viruses like ZIKA and West Nile Virus.
I've heard the mosquitos are really bad in Kefalonia, along with the wasps.
I'm also worried about our all inclusive buffet and what I can safely eat.
Also, I'm not sure what medical services are like if I need it whilst I am there - I know there is a chance I could miscarry.
I will be booking a private scan around week 7-8 to see if there is a heartbeat. I'm very anxious in pregnancy, so I do understand this post could seem ridiculous to some. I'm 42 and this will be our last chance to have a baby so I want to be really careful.
Should I go or should I cancel? Thanks to anyone who helps me here.

Congratulations OP!
Given your medical history, in your place, I would cancel. If you went and anything happened you'd feel terrible. And as you say at 42 you don't have the luxury of thinking you can try again.
Very very best of luck.

Hi there. I don't think from government website there is Zika where you are going.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus-country-specific-risk

However if you are feeling very uncomfortable about going then could be worth trying to rearrange the trip if you can. If you can't, then I'm sure that Greek Islands (from my experience of Crete and Corfu) have plenty of dietary options for you to still enjoy your food.

I can't advise on medical services sorry.

Hi OP, I've just been to Corfu which is also bad for mosquitos. I didn't get bitten once. I used Jungle Formula and a local one called Tai Lotion Forte, covered up with long loose dresses and a light shawl thing in the evening and kept our bedroom door and window closed (air con for the win).

A quick google tells me that insect repellents are safe for pregnancy.

As for the food, I'm a fussy so and so and ate just fine. I wouldn't have eaten any of the things that are unsafe in pregnancy anyway.

Also, remember your skin will be more sensitive to the sun so slather yourself in Factor 50.

Have fun, the Greek islands are beautiful and I'm dying to go back!

Also - my DD managed to smack her neck/shoulder on the side of the pool and the medical services we used were amazing. A doctor came out within 30 minutes and arranged for us to have an X-ray in a private clinic. We were in and out in 30 mins (DD was fine, just bruised) it was all very civilised and ran smoother than I'm used to at home. Claiming it back on the insurance has been easy as well.

Also think about the heat in Europe at the moment - Kefalonia from what I remember is quite breezy, but you’ll have to be careful to stay in the shade/where there’s air con most of the day.

I would worry about the heat, none of the other things (I live in Spain, not been out for days, it is revolting weather, but no aircon) Local pool like a warm bath breeding ground for bacteria.

I have just been to Kefalonia and was 9-10 weeks when I went. It is not a risk area for Zika, the mozzies are fairly bad but only really after dark (which is quite late this time of year) and you can use repellant spray. Everyone pretty much spoke English, especially in the resort, and there should be someone on duty at the buffet who would be able to advise you on what is safe and what isnt. I had no issues, eggs there are safe (but you can stick to hard boiled if you wish) and Feta is fine in pregnancy. Also I found with the buffets there was so much choice I could always find something I could eat.
as PP have said it is pretty breezy there but it does get hot in the middle of the day so stick to Factor 50.

If you are seriously worried and the anxiety would ruin your trip then I would say try to postpone/ cancel but I personally would have no worries returning pregnant. I was also very worried after multiple miscarriages and I found the break really helped.

Thank you everyone, this ahas all be really helpful. I did see my midwife today and she has said it's fine to go, just be careful. I'm still thinking about it!

Thanks, that's really reassuring!

Hi everyone
I have just found out I’m pregnant and supposed to be going on our honeymoon to the Maldives in a couple of weeks. I’m currently 7 weeks and this is my first pregnancy. I’ve had an early scan everything looks normal and we have a little beating heart but I’m worried about travelling on 11 hour flight plus a sea plane this early on. Has anyone done long haul flight so early in pregnancy, would anyone cancel? Doctors say no evidence to show flying is harmful but of course we worry don’t we!

Congratulations @Mills1991

Not so much the flying part, but the Maldives specifically is listed on government website as having a risk of Zika virus (carried by mosquitos). Catching Zika when pregnant can cause baby problems with brain such as microcephaly. Having said that, I've seen pregnant celebs go to the Maldives and given birth to healthy babies so I'm not sure how high the risk is in reality.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus-country-specific-risk