Tick bite in early pregnancy - should I be concerned?

Hi

I went away for a lovely girls weekend in the bush this past weekend and last night I found a tick on me! One of the other girls got a couple, one really big one that made her very sick. This tick was still very small, light brown, and embedded in my skin on my upper leg up where the elastic of my undies sits.

Freaking out, I removed the tick and started stressing! The site of the bite is just a small red dot which is still a little sore if I touch it. I haven't been sick and don't feel any ill effects.

I have read conflicting information about lyme disease and whether you can catch it from ticks in Australia or not. Mostly the information says no but some information suggests it's a real possibility. From what I can gather lyme disease is my biggest concern in regards to possible impact on pregnancy. I am 8 weeks pregnant.

So... does anyone know anything about this? Should I be worried? Are there signs/symptoms I should look out for that might indicate a problems? I have never been bitten by a tick before so I really don't know much about them.

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Fi

Don't know personally, but lyme disease I think is quite rare still in Australia. I would suggest giving health direct a call (1800 022 222) and talk to one of the nurses there, or if in doubt see your gp/caregiver.

Thanks Cranky Kitten, I rang that number and they said I should be fine, no need to worry given I have no symptoms or ill effects from the tick. Phew!!

Yes Fi, sounds like you will be fine. Just keep your immune system nice and strong but pretty confident you will be okay however if any symptoms do arise make your way to the GP just to be on the safe side:)

All good - glad to hear you shouldn't have to worry too much :)

I love the guys at health direct, so helpful with the "arrgghh, what do I do" questions - especially when my DD was little

Glad its all good. :) I had something similar, got eaten alive by bird mites (ew!) due to pigeons in the roof early in this pregnancy. I'm hyper-allergic so thought it could be an issue. No dramas at all.