Whooping Cough when about to deliver ???

[Lukesmum]

I went to a birthday party last weekend and held a 2 month old baby for most of the time. I received a call for the Public Department of Health today saying that the baby has now been diagnosed with whooping cough and because I am delivering in 2.5 weeks I need to go to the GP asap and start antibiotics. I have been given a 7 day dose of antibiotics.

Has anyone else been exposed to whooping cough so close to delivering? What happened and were you as stressed as I am? Whooping cough doesn't show symptoms until after 3 weeks from being exposed. Is 7 days antibiotics enough if I was only exposed to it last Saturday?

[Tinks]

You would have to notify the hospital so they can give you a private room. Perhaps call the Dept of Health for their opinion on it, they could even notify the hospital for you. I'm not exactly sure how it works.

When I had DD2 a friend of my mum's came to visit with a shocking cough, turned out it was whooping cough. We had to notify the hospital and also get antibiotics for myself, the kids and the baby as she came into contact with all of us. Luckily though I had my own room so she didn't expose any other babies to it.

[Lukesmum]

Thanks Tinkerbell. I had swabs done and will get the results tomorrow.

[Kazmar]

Aw that poor baby Hope you're all in the clear!

[Lukesmum]

WOOHOO !!!! I just got my swabs back and there was no trace of whooping cough. I am sooo relieved. I will definately be getting the booster straight after delivery.