Is commercial flying safe in pregnancy?

Yes, but not always. Commercial flying is safe for normal low risk pregnancies.

The safest period to travel is between the 18th and 32nd week of gestation.

Please note that it can be dangerous to travel with a high risk pregnancy (high risk pregnancy will be a topic of a subsequent post). If you are not sure that your pregnancy is high risk, please find out from your doctor or a midwife before you travel.

Adequate fluids should be taken during a flight. Frequent walks are also highly recommended during a flight (to reduce the chances of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), therefore an aisle seat will be appropriate for a pregnant woman.

Are there regions/countries that should be avoided during pregnancy?

Yes! The endemic areas of yellow fever in Africa or Latin America should be avoided.

Complications of malaria are more common and more disastrous during pregnancy. Therefore pregnant women should avoid travelling to areas where chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria is a hazard.

How can I Prevent/ Treat Diarrhoea While Travelling During Pregnancy?

Prophylactic antibiotics or bismuth subsalicylate to prevent diarrhoea should not be used during pregnancy.

Once there is an established diarrhoea, treatment should be with oral rehydration fluids.

Bacterial diarrhoea (diarrhoea with bloody stool, fever or abdominal cramps) should be treated with erythromycin or ampicillin.

How can I purify water while travelling?

Water should be purified by boiling.

Iodine purification should not be used during pregnancy, as this may provide more iodine than it is safe during pregnancy.

Can I take Vaccinations during Pregnancy?

One should avoid all live vaccinations during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a natural immunosuppressive state where all live vaccines(These include yellow fever ,rubella measles and small pox) are contraindicated.

Inactivated (salk) polio vaccine can be used instead of the live (Sabin) oral vaccine.

Vaccines against hepatitis A, Pneumococcal pneumonia and meningococcal meningitis can be taken in pregnancy, if indicated.

Influenza (flu vaccine) can be taken by pregnant women if they are in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Can I take Malaria Prophylaxis in Pregnancy?

Yes!

Both chloroquine and proguanil is safe in pregnancy.

Feel free to ask any questions /comments on travel advice in pregnancy. You may also post your questions/comments on my “Forums”

References:

Page 767 Chapter 18 Obstetrics CMDT 2006 -Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. Edited by Lawrence M. Tierney, Jr. ,Stephen J. McPhee, Maxine A. Papadakis 45th edition Lange Publications.Mc Graw Hill

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You are welcome to discuss this post/related topics with Dr Shihaan and other experts from around the World in our Pregnancy, Gynaecology and Baby health Forums (www.askdrshihaan.org/forums/).