PREGNANT Meghan Markle sought medical advice about the risk of the Zika virus on Fiji and Tonga ahead of their Australia tour, a palace spokesperson confirmed.
Kensington Palace confirmed this morning that the Duchess of Sussex is pregnant.
The couple married in May and are currently in Australia on their first overseas tour, which later this month will see them visit the Fiji capital Suva and then on to Tonga.
It’s recommended that pregnant women do not travel to areas affected by the Zika epidemic unless absolutely essential. Travellers have also been warned to sleep under mosquito nets to avoid being infected.
The palace said in a statement to the Daily Mirror: “The Duke and Duchess sought medical advice about the risk of the Zika virus on the islands of Fiji and Tonga and there will be no change to the planned schedule.”
Fans of the royal family were jubilant this morning when the palace announced the news in a statement.
It read: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.
“Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”
ZIKA FEARS: What is Zika, what are its symptoms and how are pregnant women at risk?
What is Zika?
It’s an infection spread mainly by mosquitos, and although it’s usually very mild for most people, it can be more serious for pregnant women.
Zika can cause babies to be worn with microcephaly, a condition that results in a baby having an abnormally small head.
After being bitten, symptoms tend to take between two and seven days to start setting in and while most cases aren’t contagious, you can pass it from person to person during sex.
It kills about 1 per cent of victims so as we say, it’s usually pretty mild. But the effects that it can have on unborn babies can be devasting.
Symptoms include:
Babies can also be born with severe birth defects from the virus. While most people don’t die of the illness, babies who get it can develop severe brain damage which then kills them in the bomb or at birth.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Zika – although scientists are currently working on a vaccine.
NHS guidelines suggest drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol can relieve symptoms in adults.
People have also been warned to seek urgent advice to help rule out a malaria diagnosis if starting to feel unwell.
How do you treat Zika?
There’s no specific treatment for the infection but the NHS recommends drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol to relieve the symptoms.
If you feel unwell after returning from a country that has malaria as well as Zika, you need to seek urgent medical attention.
Advice for pregnant women:
The NHS recommends that expectant mums should avoid travelling to high-risk areas where there are current outbreaks of Zika.
If you do travel to an affected area, you can reduce your risk of catching it by using insect repellent and covering as much skin as possible.
Oh, and make sure that you check your travel plans with your GP before going.
The NHS also says that if you’re trying for a baby and you’ve got any symptoms, you’re best off waiting for two months after full recovery before trying to get pregnant.
Prime Minister Theresa May offered congratulations to the happy couple following the announcement.
She said: “My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the happy news they are expecting a baby in the Spring. Wishing them all the best.”
The Duchess of Sussex once described motherhood as being on her “bucket list”, while the Duke of Sussex has often confessed he would love to have children.
The former actress’s pregnancy fulfils the pair’s long-held ambition to become parents.
In the run-up to their wedding, Meghan hinted at starting her own brood with Harry.
On a trip to Belfast less than two months before the big day, the bride-to-be joked when she was shown an innovative range for newborns: “I’m sure at some point we’ll need the whole (lot).”
In an interview in 2016, Meghan said becoming a mother was on her “bucket list”.
“I can’t wait to start a family, but in due time,” she said.
The topic cropped up in the couple’s engagement interview, with Harry speaking of their plans.
“You know, I think one step at a time, and hopefully we’ll start a family in the near future,” he said.
Harry has long since admitted he would love to have children.
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