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Pregnancy and Travel
Pregnancy is not an illness but it can put you at risk from certain conditions and careful planning is required before and during travel.
Minor problems such as those listed below that can be managed well at home may pose bigger problems abroad and in transit.
Nausea/vomiting
Heartburn/indigestion
Urinary frequency
Fatigue
Constipation/haemorrhoids
Leg cramps
More serious complications, such as the following, will often be incompatible with travel and specialist advice will need to be sought.
Miscarriage – more common in the first three months
Ectopic pregnancy – usually first trimester
Premature labour
Placenta Praevia
Hypertension
Gestational Diabetes
Again, these conditions can be managed at home with specialist help but the quality of medical care abroad may have;
Inaccessible/inadequate ITU particularly Neonatal Unit
Non-sterile equipment
Ineffective/dangerous drugs
Poorer medical skills
Unscreened blood transfusion
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The decision to travel must be an informed one. Pre-travel planning is crucial.
Best time to travel is during the second trimester (18-24 weeks)
Ensure initial antenatal care and routine tests are completed, Ultra sound scan at 18 – 24 weeks, Routine blood tests carried out, Folic Acid supplements at least 400mcg – more if taking Proguanil.
Airline Restrictions
do not allow travel after 36 weeks for single pregnancy
do not allow travel after 32 weeks for multiple pregnancy
most airlines require a certificate of fitness after 28 weeks confirming the pregnancy is progressing normally and the Expected Date of Delivery
Insurance
Some companies completely exclude cover
Some include it at a premium
Most policies cover cancellation due to pregnancy
Very difficult to arrange insurance for baby if born prematurely during trip
Problems within the EC – need European Health Insurance Card for mother and child
Immunisations
The risk and benefit of each vaccine requires to be carefully reviewed. Specialist advice is required.
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Malaria
Pregnant women attract twice as many mosquitoes as non pregnant women
Disease more severe in pregnancy
Limited choice of safe and effective anti-malarial tablets
Consequences to foetus can be devastating
Anti-Malarial Tablets
There is a limited choice of safe and effective drugs for prevention and treatment in pregnancy.
Getting There
By Air - small but increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis due to increased clotting factors, reduced venous drainage and immobility
By Car, Bus or Train - risks are the same as for flying
To ensure maximum comfort and safety during your journey make sure you
Wear loose comfortable clothing
Request an aisle seat
Walk about and exercise every half hour
Stay hydrated
Fasten seatbelt at level of pelvis
If you have to travel to malarial areas
Be extra careful to prevent mosquito bites
Take anti-malarial tablets as recommended
Seek medical help immediately if malaria is suspected
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General Advice
Avoid any conditions which cause high fever or dehydration and puts the foetus at risk. Care with food and water are vitally important. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Conclusion
You may wish to travel when you are pregnant. With careful planning, travelling during your pregnancy should be an enjoyable experience, however destinations which are remote, malarial and with poor medical facilities should be avoided.
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