Travelling While Pregnant

Travelling while Pregnant

Travelling abroad while pregnant raises a number of issues. Is it safe to travel, are there extra precautions to be taken, what about malaria tablets? If this is your first pregnancy you are entering uncharted waters. While most pregnancies progress without a hitch, first time round you really don't know how things will progress.

Pregnancy is divided into three stages called trimesters. Nausea is often common during the first stage, travelling may increase this feeling. The risks of miscarriage are also increased. The second trimester is usually a time when you are in very good health. If a trip is being undertaken this may be the best time. In the third trimester you will probably get tired more easily from the extra payload you are carrying around. Pressure on the bladder may make trips to the loo more frequent. Not ideal if you're on a long haul flight or a coach transfer.

Remember airlines will not let you travel from 36 weeks and in some cases 26 weeks.
Your itinerary is obviously important. Will you have ready access to good medical facilities and importantly english speaking doctors.
Adventure holidays are probably out of the question.
During pregnancy avoiding drugs unless absolutely necessary is the basic rule. If you are travelling to a malarial area commonly used drugs like mefloquine and doxycycline should not be taken. This can place you your child at a higher risk to the disease. This risk may be unacceptable.
The body diverts some blood flow to the womb. As a result you may become tried more easily. It essential to maintain a good fluid intake and a balanced diet. You will also be more sensitive to temperature changes especially during the third trimester.
Travellers diarrhoea is a problem for all travellers but especially during pregnancy due to the risk of dehydration.
Vaccines present the same issue as malaria tablets. Basic vaccines like polio and typhoid will probably be avoided. Active vaccination against hepatitis A may be used if required.
In most cases non-essential pleasure trips while pregnant should be avoided. You are placing both yourself and unborn child at unnecessary risk.

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