Visiting zika territory in a couple weeks...

blue2mango · March 2018

I couldn't figure out where this question might have gone so decided I would start a new thread.
We are headed on a 7 day cruise in a couple weeks with my inlaws. (MIL,FIL,BIL,SIL) We will be taking our almost 3 year old son also. I have only been on 1 cruise pre-kid & married life many years ago and onmy 3 days. Plus being early pregnant this time worries me a bit. I don't have my first appointment until after I get back. We are stopping at Cozumel, Jamaica and Haiti.
Have any of you ladies traveled or know someone who traveled across countries or went on a cruise while pregnant? Is there anything I should know, watch out for, be aware of, etc.?
Thank you!

pelorunningmama · March 2018

I don’t have any advice on cruises but have traveled to Canada while pregnant. But that is pretty basic so not much help there. My immediate concern would be Zika, but is that even still a threat?

Also, a good spot for this may have been on the Question week of 3/4 thread. I think the questions can be about anything and everything there.

Hope you get some good advice!

blue2mango · March 2018

@wannaflickone I wondered about Zika also. That would have been a good place! Shoot, oh well.

Eveinshock · March 2018

I had the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico for work in February. I actually was ready to jump on it until someone else mentioned Zika which had never occurred to me at all. I did some research and decided against it even though I wasn’t even planning on getting pregnant within 6 months. There’s just too much unknown about it and I didn’t think it was worth the risk. But I am extremely precautious.

The other thing you’re supposed to avoid when pregnant is buffets. But there’s plenty of other food on the ship.

therealfrizzle · March 2018

I did a 3 day Bahamas cruise the day after the anatomy scan with my last pregnancy. My advice: look at the zika warning for those countries and be proactive about mosquitos.

lifesabeach85 · March 2018

Definitely a good idea to call your doctors office and let them know of your plans, so they can give you specific medical advice.

Here is the CDC’s website on Zika in specific countries

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information

offtoneverland · March 2018

@blue2mango I think it's okay to have this as a separate thread, but would you mind changing the subject to add something about zika too? That way if others try to find info about zika they could come to this thread.

I agree that you should reach out to your OB if possible. We were supposed to go on a cruise to the Caribbean while ttc but cancelled after talking to my OB. That's not at all to say you should cancel; all doctors have their own opinions on the matter. Definitely check out the CDC link that @lifesabeach85 posted. Wear lots of mosquito repellent and long pants/sleeves if you can. Zika is definitely still a major concern, particularly to pregnant women.

Do you have excursions planned in all the ports? If not, you could try to stay on the ship to avoid mosquitoes.

To your other question, I don't think there's anything specific you need to do prepare or watch out for. Perhaps make sure you have something to combat nausea/morning sickness if needed. It's probably a good tip from PP to avoid buffets as well, just in case the food is not at the right temperature.

Have fun! I love cruises. What cruise line are you going on?

pelorunningmama · March 2018

@offtoneverland Good idea on adding Zika to the subject. I bet this is a popular question. I actually am dying for a beach vacation and would love to head somewhere that is relatively affordable. Unfortunately, it looks like Mexico and Belize are not good options. Might be heading to the Florida coast...

blue2mango · March 2018

@lifesabeach85 I will check out that link, thank you!
@offtoneverland No excursions planned. I was thinking if I had to I would also stay on the boat as much as I can. I did plan to wear a SHIT ton of bug spray/bands and more covering clothes also.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I should probably call my midwives and ask.

blue2mango · March 2018

@offtoneverland How do I edit it? I can't find that option.

offtoneverland · March 2018

@blue2mango If you go to the top of the thread, there is a little black gear symbol in the top right corner. If you click on that, it will give you the option to edit your post.

blue2mango · March 2018

@offtoneverland We are going on Royal Carribean.

After reading the CDC website I am a bit freaked out. I called my midwives but wasn't able to answer the return call today.
I know I have a choice not to go on this cruise but at the same time I don't. Its the last vacation for everyone to take with my SIL. (Final stages of triple negative breast cancer) Hopefully my midwives can give me some ideas and calm me down a bit. :-(
We didn't even have time to stop ttc when the reservations were made. My inlaws plan nothing, ever. I knew we were going on a vacation but had no idea where until a few weeks back.

pelorunningmama · March 2018

@blue2mango I'm so sorry about your SIL. I know that time as a family will be so important and special. Maybe if you are just really diligent with the bug spray, wear long sleeves, and not go on excursions it will be ok. I hope your midwives call you back and are able to give you some advice!

lifesabeach85 · March 2018

That is a really tough situation, but do you think your SIL and the rest of the family might be understanding if you explain the situation, especially if your midwives aren't on board? Especially if they did not consult you on planning the location. I had a situation with my last pregnancy (not anywhere near as serious) where I just went along with family's plans/wishes against my better judgment and later regretted not standing up for myself.

Firemanswife11 · March 2018

Lurking.

This is a very tough situation and I am incredibly sorry about your SIL.

Part of my job has to do with tracking Zika and if I were you, I would not go. The risk to an unborn child is way too real and significant. Plus there are newer concerns that people who contract Zika (even if not pregnant) have issues with early onset Alzheimer's-like symptoms later on.

Not only that, but let's say you don't catch it ... but your husband does. He can transmit the virus to you and your baby for 6 (or more) months.

If you do decide to go, I would not leave the ship for any reason. But IMO, the risk is still there. The mosquitoes that carry Zika are somewhat domesticated in that they like to congregate where people are. They will come on board and near the ship when you're docked.

I am not trying to fear monger but I am constantly studying and learning about this virus. It is scary and I dread the day it starts spreading locally in the states.

blue2mango · March 2018

@lifesabeach85 They would hopefully understand but then my son stays with me and that I don't think they would understand. My midwives suggested I don't go either but if I had to then bath in bug spray and wear loose long sleeves & pants. I was slightly consulted on the location but it was a couple months ago and I said I would go anywhere because its not my trip to choose that. Plus I didn't even think about Zika or that I may be pregnant.

@Firemanswife11 Thank you for the info. I have been doing lots a research on it. The problem is I am trying to get my husband to understand the threat also. He doesn't seem to think its that bad and "you could get it in the states this summer". We have only been able to have very quick conversations about it due to work overlap. I am hoping we can have a better conversation in the next few days.

offtoneverland · March 2018

@blue2mango Zika actually isn't transmitted in the states, except for in the very southernmost parts of Florida and Texas. So getting zika in the summer in the states is not really a concern. (Check out the zika map on that CDC link.) I know this is kind of a once in a lifetime trip for you to get to spend time with your SIL and family, so I think you'll be fine if you go, but it would be best if you stay on the ship and wear lots of repellent, like you already said you would do. It's also important for your husband to take precautions too. Zika is transmitted sexually, so if he gets zika, he could transmit it to you for up to 6 months after. Keep in mind that not everyone knows if/when they get zika. Sometimes people do not have any symptoms at all.
Keep in mind that lots of women live in the Caribbean, so it can't be avoided by every pregnant woman. However, you and YH should look at the pages on CDC and decide what you're comfortable with. No one can tell you what to do or what you should be comfortable with.
I'm not trying to alarm you or freak you out, but it really is a big concern, so it's important to be prepared and know all the facts!

Whitmore1027 · March 2018

**LURKING from TTGP**
@blue2mango In Feb 2016, I was 13 weeks pregnant, and I went on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean with my whole family. I struggled a lot as to whether I should cancel (Zika had literally JUST started being a huge concern so I had a LOT of controversy from others on The Bump, saying I shouldn't put my baby at risk. Which, if you think about it, there are things we can't control. Just stepping outside your home, and driving can "put your baby at risk") But because it was a family vacation, and it was all paid for before I even knew I was pregnant, I went. My doctor said that it would be okay (I would definitely inform your doctor that you will be going!). Basically I just stayed on the ship the entire time. When we were docked, I would wear a ton of Deet (Which IS save for pregnancy). I never saw any mosquitoes. Even when docked. I think it's totally possible to have a good time!

blue2mango · March 2018

@offtoneverland I know it was barely possible in the states but far south, my husband was just saying that. I have been researching on the CDC website a lot. I like to be informed, especially on this stuff. If my DH gets even one bite we will not be having any adult time until baby is born. We both agreed to that. He will be wearing bug spray and being more cautious as well.

My DH and I finally got to have a serious talk about it. Currently I am still going to go but if something happens and SIL can't go, I will not go. I have a feeling SIL won't be able to do a lot so she & I can chill on the boat with SHIT tons of deet bug spray and long flowy clothing. My sister and Brother have both been to the caribbean since Zika came about and neither got a bite. I know some on here will not agree with my decision. Its a VERY tough spot to be in.

@Whitmore1027 I also thought of the risks everyday we put our babies in. Me using my inhaler to breath is a risk to my unborn child. I appreciate your input that you went on a cruise & staying on the ship was a "good" option. I have informed my midwives and they told me if I am going to do exactly what I had already planned. Thank you again!

offtoneverland · March 2018

@blue2mango No judgment from here on your decision! All that matters is that you and YH talked about it and found something that makes you comfortable. And how wonderful that will be for you to get some quality time with your SIL! You're going to have a fabulous time. I can't wait to hear about it when you get back!

blue2mango · March 2018

@offtoneverland I didn't mean you were judging me. Thanks for your input!

argyleagain · March 2018

Not aimed at OP so much as anyone considering travel to Zika-affected regions:

This is your friendly neighborhood reminder that there are levels are risk. Inhalers and driving are nowhere near comprobable with Zika, which can cause very severe mental and physical disability, as well as less severe disability. The full extent is not yet well understood. So: check the CDC website and listen to it. Ask your doctor and listen to them. Make your decision with eyes wide open--in other words, weigh the risks (in this case lifelong disability) against the benefits (in this case precious time with dying loved one) without rationalizing, as much as you possibly can.

Here is what I ask myself whenever I am considering taking a risk or going against a recommendation (example, letting my baby sleep in the swing): how will I feel if the worst happens? Like I made a reasonable choice and a bad thing happened? Or like my baby is gone or hurt because of me? This isn't hyperbole or a guilt trip, I actually use this gut check every time. I might be an odd duck. I have experienced child death and it definitely colors my worldview.

argyleagain · March 2018

After reading PP more closely I changed my mind. The experts say don't go. Please don't go.

purplepelican · March 2018

::lurker::

I know a man who went to South America on a group trip and came back to the US with Zika. He then had to be put on quarantine (read: not allowed to leave the house or be outside) so that he didn't transmit the disease to local mosquitoes. So aside from the risk to your baby, if you or your husband get Zika you might be out of work for several weeks under quarantine. Just another aspect to consider.

ETA: He didn't recall being bitten.

cate03 · March 2018

lurking from ttgp
@blue2mango if you do go I would also look into getting Sawyer Permethrin. I went on a similar cruise about a year before we started ttc and wanted to take every precaution possible. We treated all our clothes with the product before packing and neither one of us every got bit by a mosquito, I am usually the first person that does.

blue2mango · March 2018

@cate03 Thanks for the idea! Is it smelly or did it stain at all?

cate03 · March 2018

@blue2mango On application is smells but I just had DH spay it in a well ventilated space about 26 hours before we left. Once we dry for 24 hours it had a very minor sent (but you are also spaying yourself in bug spray so its really all the same). Nothing was stained and it eventually washes out of everything.

blue2mango · March 2018

@cate03 Thanks! It says its odorless amd won't stain but I wanted a personal use opinion. I will probably just have DH spray it in the garage with it open. The clothes can dry in there while its closed. I appreciate you sharing, I bought 2 bottles so far.

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