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.

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