Dr. said no Disney :(

[Mom2Stitch]

Diverticulitis sucks a lot. How are you feeling now?

Better, but still no where near what I should be. Very little activity just wears me out. I can't imagine being in the heat of FL and having to go through this, so in my head I know the right choice is to probably delay our trip until next year. Of course my heart is another story...

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Wait a minute. I thought that there were still ZERO cases of people who got zika while in the USA?? As far as I have read, all the cases that have been reported so far have been women who were pregnant and traveled to Central or South America.

So far, there have been no known mosquito-born cases of Zika within the US (not including Puerto Rico). That doesn't mean there couldn't be cases. It sounds like the OP's OB's concern is based on the prevalence of the potentially Zika-carrying mosquito species in Florida, combined with the prevalence of foreign visitors to WDW who are from countries where Zika is endemic (particularly Brazil).

I've seen a few posts claiming that Zika is not dangerous outside the first trimester of pregnancy. Interested to know were people getting this information. Everything I've read says that it can be devastating in any trimester (the articles I've read include cases of Zika acquired past six months gestation with devastating results).

 

[NeuroCindy]

So far, there have been no known mosquito-born cases of Zika within the US (not including Puerto Rico). That doesn't mean there couldn't be cases. It sounds like the OP's OB's concern is based on the prevalence of the potentially Zika-carrying mosquito species in Florida, combined with the prevalence of foreign visitors to WDW who are from countries where Zika is endemic (particularly Brazil).

I've seen a few posts claiming that Zika is not dangerous outside the first trimester of pregnancy. Interested to know were people getting this information. Everything I've read says that it can be devastating in any trimester (the articles I've read include cases of Zika acquired past six months gestation with devastating results).

I think there's a misunderstanding. The risk of microcephaly outside of the first trimester is drastically lower, almost nil. However, they're finding other significant effects in other organ systems and some neurological effects for fetuses infected in the 2nd/3rd trimester.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673616309023 (The Lancet)

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1600651 (NEJM)

 

[Robertfam08]

So far, there have been no known mosquito-born cases of Zika within the US (not including Puerto Rico). That doesn't mean there couldn't be cases. It sounds like the OP's OB's concern is based on the prevalence of the potentially Zika-carrying mosquito species in Florida, combined with the prevalence of foreign visitors to WDW who are from countries where Zika is endemic (particularly Brazil).

I've seen a few posts claiming that Zika is not dangerous outside the first trimester of pregnancy. Interested to know were people getting this information. Everything I've read says that it can be devastating in any trimester (the articles I've read include cases of Zika acquired past six months gestation with devastating results).

Hi there. My information comes from doctors that dh works with, of which I am not one! Haha. Based on what they said, I don't think it would be impossible for complications to arise from Zika later in pregnancy, in the same way that the flu virus can cause complications in a higher risk pregnancy. They always tell pregnant women to get their flu shots! But the main cause of concern here is the brain and skull abnormalities that can occur as a result of Zika, and what they are saying is that once the brain is formed, this is no longer a risk.

In other words, if the mom has a high-risk pregnancy and something like the flu could devastate the life of her baby, I wouldn't be traveling south any time soon just to be safe. (Though the chances of being bitten by a Zika carrying mosquito are still very low here.) But I'm pretty sure those moms aren't planning trips to Disney anyway.

 

[SPAM]

I don't see how being in an area with foreign people from Zika areas is going to increase your risk. Unless the mosquitos are hitching a ride in their suitcase that shouldn't be a factor there hasn't been any reports of person to person transmission except through sexual contact.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I think there's a misunderstanding. The risk of microcephaly outside of the first trimester is drastically lower, almost nil. However, they're finding other significant effects in other organ systems and some neurological effects for fetuses infected in the 2nd/3rd trimester.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673616309023 (The Lancet)

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1600651 (NEJM)

I think there's a misunderstanding. The risk of microcephaly outside of the first trimester is drastically lower, almost nil. However, they're finding other significant effects in other organ systems and some neurological effects for fetuses infected in the 2nd/3rd trimester.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673616309023 (The Lancet)

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1600651 (NEJM)

I guess that was my point, that Zika has been shown to be dangerous to a fetus when acquired in any stage of development. Therefore, the claim that it only poses a risk during the first trimester is false.

 

[NY Pirate Princess]

Good for you mom to be. Listen to your doctor and your heart. Save that money for your first fantastic family trip with this child.

While I believe that many of the things pregnant American women are told are ridiculous, you will clearly be nervous and upset from the day of your trip through your delivery and perhaps even after. Not worth it. The mouse will wait.

Full disclosure I was a crazy person throughout my miracle girl's gestation, so I am biased.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Tough situation to be in, but you have to go with your gut. I wouldn't go to Disney pregnant anyway, though. Just my personal preference.

I do think people scare pregnant women far too much and I understand this particular thing being scary. I remember reading some insane stuff on the internet when I was pregnant 6 years ago and my doctor said "here's my advice: STAY OFF THE INTERNET."

Words to live by

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm in NY and was looking at the CDC map. I saw the (very small) area downstate where the Aeges aegypti are found. The rest of the state is clear.

Well not to create anything there but you did say that they do not get up that far north.....but by your statement above they actually are.

I wasn't trying to create a debate of "are they in NY or not" but more to say the mosquitoes that are of concern are found in many other areas of the U.S. (in areas where we might not even think) which the map I saw showed historical data where the mosquitoes of concern have been found over the last 21 years (from Jan 1995 to Mar 2016)

 

[Robertfam08]

I guess that was my point, that Zika has been shown to be dangerous to a fetus when acquired in any stage of development. Therefore, the claim that it only poses a risk during the first trimester is false.

The risk of microcephaly is exceptionally rare outside of the first trimester, and that is what the vast majority of doctors are concerned about. Anything outside of that would be like a very conservative doctor telling a pregnant woman not to travel anywhere during cold and flu season...which I mean, I'm sure there are plenty of doctors out there that would say that! And I'm sure there are equally conservative pregnant women who wouldn't want to be in Disney during that time, either. I agree that if you are going to be a nervous wreck the whole time, then it's not worth it.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Hi there. My information comes from doctors that dh works with, of which I am not one! Haha. Based on what they said, I don't think it would be impossible for complications to arise from Zika later in pregnancy, in the same way that the flu virus can cause complications in a higher risk pregnancy. They always tell pregnant women to get their flu shots! But the main cause of concern here is the brain and skull abnormalities that can occur as a result of Zika, and what they are saying is that once the brain is formed, this is no longer a risk.

In other words, if the mom has a high-risk pregnancy and something like the flu could devastate the life of her baby, I wouldn't be traveling south any time soon just to be safe. (Though the chances of being bitten by a Zika carrying mosquito are still very low here.) But I'm pretty sure those moms aren't planning trips to Disney anyway.

Small study, but shows risk in Zika acquired at 25 and 32 weeks gestation. "Fetuses infected in the first trimester had findings suggestive of pathologic change during embryogenesis, but CNS abnormalities were also seen in fetuses infected as late as 27 weeks of gestation."

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1602412

 

[MariMama]

I don't see how being in an area with foreign people from Zika areas is going to increase your risk. Unless the mosquitos are hitching a ride in their suitcase that shouldn't be a factor there hasn't been any reports of person to person transmission except through sexual contact.

Once a mosquito bites someone with the zika virus in their blood, that mosquito then becomes a carrier, if they aren't squished first.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

The risk of microcephaly is exceptionally rare outside of the first trimester, and that is what the vast majority of doctors are concerned about. Anything outside of that would be like a very conservative doctor telling a pregnant woman not to travel anywhere during cold and flu season...which I mean, I'm sure there are plenty of doctors out there that would say that! And I'm sure there are equally conservative pregnant women who wouldn't want to be in Disney during that time, either. I agree that if you are going to be a nervous wreck the whole time, then it's not worth it.

I think microcephaly is what is getting the most publicity and is therefore what most lay people are concerned about (and what people tend to discuss with their doctors). DH is a physician and gets notifications about Zika, including more than just microcephaly, regularly.

 

[Robertfam08]

Small study, but shows risk in Zika acquired at 25 and 32 weeks gestation. "Fetuses infected in the first trimester had findings suggestive of pathologic change during embryogenesis, but CNS abnormalities were also seen in fetuses infected as late as 27 weeks of gestation."

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1602412

Right, I don't disagree that it has happened over the years in other countries, and that the symptoms can still cause complications...just like a flu or other virus can. My point is that research overwhelmingly shows that it's super duper rare, and many many doctors would disagree with the OP's. I'm currently pregnant with baby #5, so I know each pregnancy is different and carries it's own complications and that's why you should always listen to your own doctor! And if you are going to be paranoid, it's not worth it. But I know I would personally be seeking a second opinion if I had an otherwise healthy pregnancy.

 

[margot31]

You know what OP do what you think is best for YOU!. If that means getting a second opinion go get one. If that means taking this doc's advise and not going thats ok too.

Here is how I look at it right now. I would rather go when I don't have to always sit cause walking becomes too much, or always having to pee, or what ever reason you have. I really look forward to the day I can see both my kids faces light up and enjoy that time.

When it comes to Zika and my pregnancy I am ok with being a little more Cautious and I am proud of it. So while there are some who probably don't have M.D. behind their names are saying go and the doc is full of BS do what is best for you.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

I strongly disagree with your doctor, but you must do what you feel is safe for your child.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

My only comment is that an OB is no more qualified to offer advice on this subject than your average poster here on the Dis. That is to say, not qualified at all.

 

[cgh]

I'm sorry.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I strongly disagree with your doctor, but you must do what you feel is safe for your child.

So why are all of you more qualified than the OPs doctor? I knew as soon as I saw this it was going to be "well he's wrong"

Seriously, our vast exposure to the patient of her posts on a message board don't exactly qualify any of us to say anything (And that's true even if you are a world class physician, you cannot treat, diagnosis and advise from these posts LOL! If you do, please buy extra malpractice insurance! )

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Congratulations OP! You are doing your best to make responsible choices for the well being of your child!
This isn't a time to be sad though, it is a time to feel good about making the best choices possible for your family. Going to WDW another time is EASY.

****
Mentally, we personally view every vacation as a MAYBE, until it actually happens. Mostly, we end up going, but always viewing future events as MAYBE's is an easy way to feel good about having to cancel non-essential activities of any kind. I mean, any of us could suffer a financial setback at any time. I'd much rather be responsible than careless.

Pregnancy +travel is always a BIG MAYBE. I think the first lesson of being a good parent, is mentally shifting your priorities, though every parent has to balance their own needs against those of the child/family. It isn't easy. You do the best you can to make the best choices possible.

I suggest finding a small (healthy) way to reward your efforts!

As for Zika, the risk is probably fairly low that you would actually catch it. Driving a car every day is probably more dangerous, but postponing this trip is probably wise- because rebooking for another time is easy. Use that week as a opportunity to prepare yourself for the many fun challenges ahead.