Due to give birth any day and my partner has Norovirus

[hmorgan]

I am 40 + 3 weeks pregnant. I’m feeling very uncomfortable (acid reflux, aches, extreme insomnia, claustrophobic in my own body).

I was going to be induced yesterday but I postponed as my partner is very unwell…

I’m trying to weigh up my options.

1. Should I stay at home with him, even though that increases the risk of me catching Norovirus?

1. If I catch Norovirus, will I be able to have skin to skin with the baby when they’re born?

1. Would it be irresponsible for my partner to come to hospital with me and risk spreading Norovirus? Would a mask/gloves be sufficient protection?

1. Do I keep postponing the induction even though I’m feeling intensely uncomfortable?

This is my first baby and I’m feeling very overwhelmed. Any advice or thoughts would be much appreciated!

Yeah if OP is 43 weeks pregnant she’d be well advised not to put off induction. But I thought she meant 40 weeks and 3 days!

i’d kick my partner out to his parents and get someone you know to come and help you. Do not allow him onto the labour ward! What if a new born caught the virus and died. That would be absolute tragic. Postpone the induction until he has passed the infectious stage.

it’s a horrid slog but you’re nearly done and when you hold you’re little person you will forget how awful the pregnancy was.

I've had 2 inductions one at 40 weeks and one at 37. I'd hold off as long as you can tolerate if there's no other reason for it (less chance of interventions) and you want that family moment (of course have back up in case it happens naturally before that and your partners ill. I had caught a dodgy belly from my daughter 5 days before I got induced and I was already so knackered from that (and felt like death during) defo stay as far away as you can for now 🤞🏻 good luck with everything hope it all goes okay

I wouldn’t even be thinking about an induction until at least 41 weeks and preferably a bit longer. Where I live you wouldn’t even be offered one until then.

However uncomfortable you feel now is nothing compared to how you might feel during an induction! The process can be long too. I was in hospital 5 days with my induction before I even got into labour ward to have my waters broken (high risk pregnancy with small baby). I would much rather have been feeling uncomfortable at home waiting for labour to start naturally!

My induction was absolutely fine, by the way

It's really not well evidenced for advanced maternal age!

Wishing you all the best OP. Could be any time now. I hope your DH will be better and clear in time, but if not it sounds like you've got good support with your mum and your friend... and I think like others that you've just got to make the best decision for baby and yourself, even if its not exactly what you planned. Wishing you all the very best x

I caught a D&V bug on the Sunday, went into labour on the Monday morning (likely from the horrendous retching) - I was 40 weeks by this point anyway. We told the hospital I had this and they didn’t give a hoot or even mention any protocol. I was in for an observation on the Tuesday (sent home) but didn’t give birth until the Friday. Was a horrendous week. I’d stay clear if you can.

How are you @hmorgan, I hope you’ve managed to avoid coming down with it yourself and that your partner is on the mend?

Thanks Jollyjoy!

My partner is better - people were right, the norovirus lasted 36 hours. Luckily, I escaped unscathed. It’s been 48 hours since his last symptoms so I’m now back home (he’s deep cleaned the flat).

I ended up rescheduling the induction - it’s looking like I’ll have it on Wednesday. Had a midwife appointment today and they weren’t worried. So it’s a happy ending!

Thank you everyone for your advice. I just couldn’t think straight so I really appreciate people’s input!

I mean three days, not 36 hours…

Eugh I’m so tired, I really hope this baby will come soon!

So glad for you both! Make sure DH is resting, it can really take it out of you. Well done for being so cautious and considerate, and very best of luck 💐

Great update! Good luck to you and your dp op. Hope all goes smoothly from here on in! 💐

Great update, best of luck tomorrow!

Not long now! All the best!

Oh that is great news. Hope you can relax and be as cosy and comfy as possible in your last evening! All the best 🫶🏻

Well done, excellent news! I would say that if you’re healthy and low risk, i’d personally postpone that induction as long as possible. My non-induced labour was a million times better! Rest up, help yourself feel safe and relaxed and the baby will come xxx (and maybe look as spinning babies - I’m sure getting him into a better position sped my second babe along!)