Two to go: Travelling during pregnancy

Travelling overseas while pregnant requires thorough preparation and planning - and a little common sense, according to obstetrician and Director of Mothersafe NSW, Dr Debra Kennedy.

 
 
Before booking an overseas holiday, mums-to-be should get expert advice on the safe destination options, and find out just what medical facilities will be available to them in case of an emergency.

"There is no doubt, pregnant women should avoid high-altitude destinations and adventure-style holidays," said Dr Kennedy.

"But even if a woman is considering travel to what would normally be regarded as a safe destination, she needs to know there are adequate medical facilities and services like ultrasound in case of an emergency.

"If not, she should be asking herself: 'Is there a better destination?'".

Having vaccine safer than getting disease
One of the first considerations should be a destination's endemic diseases profile. What vaccinations would normally be advised for the trip, whether you're pregnant or not?

"Except for a very few vaccines, if vaccination is recommended, it is safer for a pregnant woman to be immunised that to run the risk of getting the disease," Dr Kennedy said.

"It's a question of whether the risk of infection is enough to warrant immunisation.

"Likewise with malaria: We know without question that malaria is a serious issue for a pregnant woman. She's a higher risk of contracting malaria that one who isn't pregnant - and of having a severe illness that could impact on her unborn baby.

"If the risk of malaria is significant, it is much safer to take anti-malarials during pregnancy than not.

"Again, common sense tells you not to choose a malara-infected destination - unless it can't be avoided. If an anti-malarial is recommended, it becomes a question of which one is appropriate and safe and that may be a question for a travel health specialist."

Five key issues for a pregnant traveller
Dr Kennedy said the key issues for a pregnant traveller are:

1. MAINTAINING HEALTH CHECK UPS
Have your regular anti-natal check-ups on schedule, or as close to it as possible. Make a point of seeing your doctor as soon as practical after your return, especially if you have any concerns.

2. BEING FOOD AND WATER SAFE
Ensuring the food and water you consume while travelling is safe is even more important during pregnancy. Hepatitis E, in particular, can be a severe illness during pregnancy and cause harm to the foetus. Adhering to travel food and water guidelines is essential.

3. PREVENTING DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)
Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing DVT from sitting still for long periods on long flights. Dress in comfortable, loose clothing, book an aisle seat, walk the aisles at least every few hours, and do lower leg exercises from time to time.
(Graduated compression stockings may also be recommended from pregnant women. Read more on stockings and VTE).

4. AVOIDING INSECT BITES
Any insect-borne disease could be a serious health event in pregnancy, particularly malaria. Cover up with long sleeves, pant and shoes if outdoors at high risk times of the day and use an effective insect repellent when outdoors. If your room is not air conditioned, take along a bed net to sleep under.
These items are available to purchase at all Travelvax clinics or through the website.

5. TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER
Appropriate insurance is essential. However, insurance may not cover problems that arise as a result of pregnancy, so a woman may have to arrange additional cover or accept that there is a financial risk to travel.
Pregnant travellers should check their product disclosures statement or discuss this with their travel agent, as most companies do not cover emergencies related to labour after 24 weeks of pregnancy or the care of a premature baby. This has recently been discussed in the case of baby Piper, whose parents now owe $1 million dollars to the B.C. Women's Hospital and Health Centre in Canada. Read More.

Making sensible travel choices
For a pregnant woman, planning trouble-free, overseas travel is about making sensible choices based on the best available information...

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