Totally freaking out about the lambs thing............

[millie15]

Ok, I was just starting to ease off on my constant worries and then I read the article about PG women avoiding contact with lambs. Now I am back to petrified. Last week (when I had only just had bfp - was about 4weeks+3) I stroked a lamb. It wasn't a newborn, probably a few days/a week old. Obviously I had no idea about the risks then, but now I do I am totally freaking out. I guess there is nothing I can do except tell my dr when I see him on Thurs and ask get tested for infections. I couldn't sleep last night for the anxiety. I feel So cross with myself. Anyone any suggestions?

 

[maybebaby]

I found this on the internet http://archive.nics.gov.uk/hss/070119a-hss.htm

It says in the middle:

“To avoid the possible risk of infection, pregnant women are advised that they should not help to lamb or milk ewes; they should avoid contact with aborted or new-born lambs or with the afterbirth and they should avoid handling clothing, boots etc which have come into contact with ewes or lambs. Pregnant women should seek medical advice if they experience fever or influenza-like symptoms, or if concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment.”

I think it's more to do with the birth process than the actual lamb, and if you've not been feeling unwell there's no problem at all. Mention it to your doc if you still feel worried but I think the risk is so small you don't need to worry about it

 

[Sherlock]

Don't panic.

I did post about this earlier in the spring across all the tris, but like everything it falls of the front page and people don't see it. But its here on the first tri -

http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=66334

As has been said, if you are feeling well then don't fret. The risk is very small in the first place. I doubt there is any need to test for anything. You are not presenting with any flu like symptoms etc so sound like you are ok to me TBH you can pick up toxoplasmosis from cat litter and listeriosis from food, and that is a far higher risk (but again small on the scale of things still) so panicking about this isn't really going to do you any favours. Try to relax, you are fit and well so

FWIW I live on a farm and have 2000 odd sheep surrounding me and lambing ewes a stones throw from my door in the barn.

Its good though that this topic has been pushed to the front again as hopefully women in first tri will read it and be aware.

 

[1588]

I had my horse stabled on a farm which were lambing, although I was not in contact with them I asked the Dr about it.

He said to avoid newborn or aborted lambs as the placenta carries the toxomaplosis (sp) infection.

I am sure that touching a lamb a few days after it's been born is fine as everything is cleared up by then. It was definitely something to do with the actual lambing process rather than the newborn.


Hope this helps

 

[SarahH]

You'll be fine!! I did lambing when I was pregnant and nothing happened to me. I just had to make sure I was wearing my gloves and detol everything when I got back in.

 

[millie15]

Ok thanks girls. I have taken some deep breaths and trying to put it in perspective!! Who would have thought the world would become so scary when you get pregnant?? Perhaps I might just be a self obsessed hypochondriac

I have to think - there's nothing I can do about it now is there?! I will mention it to the doc on Thurs when I get my bhcg back.