I don’t look it here but I was seven weeks pregnant and very, very morning/all day sick
Many women travel during pregnancy, I certainly did. I traveled for work, weddings, vacations and my own, ill fated babymoon. It is a mistake though to believe travel while pregnant is the same as prior to being pregnant. A number of infections may be encountered during travel that put the health of a pregnant woman, or her unborn child at risk for example. Here are a few important considerations for those planning a trip while pregnant.
Time your travel well.
The all encompassing fatigue and nausea that many women experience in early pregnancy takes many women by surprise. If possible, plan your travels to occur during the second trimester when you are most likely to be feeling well. Air travel later in pregnancy is restricted according to individual airline policy, whether the flight is international or domestic, how many babies you are carrying, and whether there are any complications of pregnancy. Check with the individual airline to determine what their policy is.
Be vaccinated against influenza.
Influenza is a common viral illness and is more likely to be serious in pregnant women. Travel may put you at increased risk of contracting the infection. Influenza vaccination is recommended and safe for pregnant women.
Take care to avoid Listeria infection.
Infection with the bacteria Lysteria Monocytogenes is rare but may have serious consequences among pregnant women including miscarriage if the woman is infected early in pregnancy, and loss of the infant later in pregnancy. Listeria is transmitted through contaminated food and outbreaks have been associated with airline meals. To minimise the risk of Lysteria infection pregnant women are advised to avoid soft cheeses, cold meats, raw seafood (such as oysters) and pre-made salads.
Remain near medical care after 24 weeks.
Modern medical care has led to miraculous improvements in the survival of pre-term infants. During pregnancy it is therefore advisable to travel only to locations that have obstetric services available, just in case medical care is required during the pregnancy, or pre-term labour occurs. I advise pregnant women to therefore avoid traveling to remote localities, including island resorts, and developing countries once they have reached week 24 of their pregnancy.
Have travel insurance that covers you for pregnancy related care (and the care of your unborn child).
I recommend travel insurance for all people traveling internationally. Pregnant women will need to declare their pregnancy and ensure they are covered for the cost of medical care overseas and medical repatriation home if necessary. People that travel internationally without travel insurance runs the risk of enormous costs to cover their medical expenses if they require them overseas.
Avoid urinary tract infection.
Pregnant women are prone to urinary tract infection. Remember to stay well hydrated on long flights to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid deep vein thrombosis.
Pregnant women are more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis during or after prolonged plane flights. Pregnant women are encouraged to remain well hydrated and move frequently around the cabin so as to minimise this risk.
Protect your back and joints
During pregnancy the body secretes a hormone called relaxin that assists pelvic stretching during delivery. This does put pregnant women at risk of low back pain, joint injury and pelvic instability. When traveling do not lift heavy suitcases, even when checking in your luggage. Always ask for assistance to do this.
About the author: Danielle Esler is a medical doctor working in both general practice and public health medicine.
This blog provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including travel health and destination advice. You can join us on Facebook to receive updates to your news feed.
Hello there, I had a marvellous time travelling for four months around Australia and NZ when pregnant with my first son. It was a marvellous time – I genuinely thought I would never be unhappy again – so wrong!
We went from 18 weeks to 32 weeks and were ready to get home to Edinburgh for sure at the end. My hubby and I hadn’t known each other for long before we got pregnant so that travelling really helped us settle into what’s now been a 17 1/2 year and 4 children relationship.
AND we decided we’d move to Sydney whilst we were travelling, we did a couple of years later and here we still are.
We never checked the travel insurance, that was daft wasn’t it? Lucky we had no troubles, could have been expensive.
Love successful pregnant travel stories Seana. My own pregnant travels include being helicoptered off an island in pre-term labour and vomiting in light aircraft on the way to clinics in the remote Torres Strait. BUT so love seeing pregnant women exploring the world anyway.