Travel when Pregnant

Travelling while pregnant is safest during the second trimester, provided a pregnant woman isn't experiencing any complications. If you are pregnant and want to travel, consult with your doctor. Most vaccines (immunisations) are not recommended for pregnant women, so consult your doctor. Some antimalarial drugs are harmful to the foetus. Airlines have different policies on when a pregnant woman can fly.

High-risk pregnancies

Pregnant women experiencing complications are advised not to travel. Some of these complications include:

• Cervical problems, such as 'incompetent cervix'
• Vaginal bleeding
• Multiple foetuses
• If you are aged 35 years or over and pregnant for the first time
• Gestational diabetes, past or present
• High blood pressure, past or present
• Pre-eclampsia, past or present
• Abnormalities of the placenta, past or present
• Prior miscarriage
• Prior ectopic pregnancy
• Prior premature labour.

The risk of malaria

Malaria is an infection carried by particular species of mosquito. A pregnant woman who catches malaria risks miscarriage, premature labour and stillbirth. Some antimalarial drugs (such as chloroquine) are considered safe to take during pregnancy, but others (such as doxycycline) are potentially harmful to the unborn baby. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid travelling to areas where malaria is present.

Your medical kit

Discuss your medical kit with your doctor before you leave. Remember to pack this kit in your carry-on luggage so you can access it during the flight. As well as standard items (such as bandages, thermometer and tweezers), your medical kit should contain:

Preparations to help you treat common pregnancy complaints, such as heartburn, thrush, constipation and haemorrhoids.

Oral rehydration preparations in case of travellers' diarrhoea while away.

Multivitamin tablets formulated for pregnancy.

Urine dipsticks to check glucose levels (if required).

Some holiday activities can be dangerous

Certain sporting activities carry an increased risk to the unborn baby. Activities to avoid include:

• Water skiing - coming off the skis could force water into the vagina.
• Scuba diving - the changes in blood gases may harm your baby. However, snorkelling is fine.
• Saunas and hot tubs - raising your body temperature can harm your baby.
• High altitude activities - such as mountain climbing. At heights of 3,000m or more, the oxygen level in the air is low. This compromises the oxygen available to your baby. Pregnant women are also more vulnerable to developing altitude sickness.

Things to remember

• The safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is during her second trimester, provided she isn't experiencing any complications.
• If you are pregnant and considering travel, you must consult with your doctor, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk.
• Avoid travelling to developing nations during pregnancy.
• Pregnant women should be wary of taking drugs of any kind, including those commonly used to treat travellers' diarrhoea.