Things women need to consider when travelling include:
- Availability of sanitary products
- Oral contraception – affected by some medications and illness
- Infections such as thrush
- Cultural attitudes and expectations of women
Travel is not likely to be a problem for the healthy pregnant traveller, however, there are a few risks that need to be considered.
- WHO recommends avoiding malarious areas if possible
- Avoid air travel after 35 weeks, and prepare for delivery from 20 weeks
- The risk of thrombosis on the aircraft can be reduced with regular calf exercises
- Avoid live viral vaccines unless the advantages for immunisation significantly outweigh the risks and discuss the use of other vaccines with your doctor
- The use of medications should be discussed with your doctor.
