Slapped Cheek - 31 weeks pregnant

[wickedfairy]

Hi,

Looking for some advice please!

Had a friend and her children round yesterday and she has just let me know that her children have been diagnosed with slapped cheek syndrome - I am currently 31 weeks pregnant, so she has advised I go to the doctor.

Can't get an appt today, but the doctor will telephone me late this afternoon. I've looked on the net and it seems if you are over 20 weeks, there is not such a risk of miscarriage/stillbirth but there is still a risk. Don't think i have had slapped cheek myself, so probably am not immune. Phoned triage midwife unit and they said they only do blood tests if you are under 20 weeks.

Should I be worried? Have history of prem birth and yesterday afternoon had terrible upset stomach - not sure if it is related or not. Stomach ok now, but am worried that something bad will happen to my baby.

Any advice?? TIA

Poor you with this worry. I worried about this during my last preg but turned out I was immune. I didn't know I'd had it as it is such a mild illness. I think it is definitely the first trimester that it is a major worry. Hope the doc can put your mind at rest.

My DD had this when I was 11 weeks and was told the same thing re: it not being serious once you are over 20 weeks. Apparently 80% of the adult population is immune (and that quite often people contract it without showing any symptoms). As I was under 20 weeks they did do a blood test and turns out I am immune.

I would try not to worry. The likelihood is that you are indeed immune.

Wickedfairy, I have some recent experience of this and am waiting to see another consultant to check my pregnancy is going ok.

Dd1 had slapped cheek a few weeks back, the gp diagnosed her and told me not to worry. He said that after 20 weeks there should be no problem. I have no idea whether I am/was immune but shortly after I did get a rash on my arms.

As it tuned out I was due to see my consultant anyway and I mentioned this to him when I saw him. He totally contradicted the gp. He basically said it can be an issue. The blood test is not great as it often doesn't tell you if you have recently had the virus or your immunity comes from the virus that you've had in the past.

The consultant said that if it does affect the baby, and the chances are quite low, then it wouldn't show up on any scans for 4-6 weeks. As you would expect the most likely time for you to get the virus is if someone in your household has it rather than a single exposure.

I am currently in the waiting period and am due to go to the clinic to have extra tests and another scan in a week or so. Its all a bit scary for us but until I know whether we have been affected I am trying not to worry - which is easier said than done! I am 25 weeks.

If you are concerned I would speak to your own midwife and see what she suggests. Maybe ask for referral?

Hi,

Thanks everyone for your advice!

Midwife triage unit said not to worry, they only do bloodtests if you are under 20 weeks, that is their policy.

Had phone appt with my doctor who has advised I get a blood test to check, so booked in at my normal surgery for Monday - although from above, now that may only tell me if I have had it recently or am immune, not if baby is affected.

If I am immune, does that mean I should also stay away from other pregnant ladies? Would I still be a carrier and possibly pass it on?

TIA