Chemotherapy exposure to newborn

Hi, I basically wanted to ask if there is any risk to a newborn. I am pregnant and due to be induced next week. My mother-in-law lives with us due to finance issues. Throughout the pregnancy I have had to stick to using upstairs toilet to reduce the risk to my baby. This was what my mother in law was advised to do by dr. But she has unfortunately been sick a few times after therapy in the kitchen sink and I have been exposed to this. 

What I wanted to ask was is there any risk to the baby once its born? I know this may sound bad but a mother worries! I dont want my babys health to be compromised. Her dr has said that whilst she is having treatment administered at hospital and 72hrs after she shouldn't handle the baby. But im still a little concerned as shes in some strong drugs. Unfortunately I dont know which drugs she is on which only adds to my worries. 

So far I found little research on this as I think they always assume that someone going through treatment wont be living with anyone who is pregnant.

 

Please help, looking for reassurance

  • Hi sue there's not much to risk remember your mum's treatment is internal, even being sick should be OK as long as sink is washed down after wards remember cemo is medicine it's not radiation, congratulations on new baby, but sorry about your mother... Best wishes. 

    Billy 

  • Hi Billy,

    There has been some exposure as she wasnt open with us. We asked her at the start of treatment to no longer be sick in the sink. But as we work we weren't always there in the day. I came home early one day to find her being sick in it. 

     

    But its difficult what can you say or do... shes sick. But this baby may be affected. She hadnt been telling us hence we couldn't clean it down. 

    Thanks for your kind words. Hoping very much this all works out

  • Hi even sick shouldn't cause any problems it just being on safe side that's a lady on the good and the bad string having treatment and found she was expecting, baby fine to be born any day now, don't worry to much as long as things are cleaned properly, aok, 

    Billy 

  • Hi sue ...

    Well think I'd be really worried too .. esp your M I l being sick in the sink ... in your condition .. I'd talk to her oncology team... and tell them .. maybe there's safeguards they could put in place .. can you give her a "sick bowl"  so she doesn't use sink ... and media wipes for her to do her hands etc after ..

    I know people say it's o.k ... but our babies are our first priority ... yes Billy is right one of our lasses who was on chemo is due her baby soon .. and it's probly o.k .. but putting extra measures in place will help your piece of mind ...

    Take care ... Chrissie  

  • Hi many thanks for the replies. I will ask her to speak to her Dr. But to be honest I dont think she really understands how the treatment could affect the baby. Unfortunately there isnt really much information on it. Really hope thet start researching this.