Pregnancy and travel

Written by Dr Charlie Easmon, specialist adviser in travel medicine

Special risks in pregnancy
A number of diseases pose a particular risk to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Infections that should be avoided occur particularly in the tropics and where the standard of hygiene is poor.

Pregnant women are recommended only to travel in countries with an adequate standard of hygiene, and not to go trekking or undertake primitive rucksack journeys in less safe destinations.

In the last few months of pregnancy it is particularly important to avoid oxygen deficiency. In general, pregnant women should not go scuba diving. Pregnant women should also be careful at high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness.

Danger signals for pregnant women
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical advice:

Bleeding from the vagina (more than one or two soaked sanitary towels).

Severe abdominal pain, even without bleeding (particularly during the second, third and fourth months). This could be caused by pregnancy outside the womb.

Increasing bouts of vomiting (hyperemesis).

Fluid accumulating under the skin (oedema), typically visible at the ankles (swollen feet) and hands/fingers.

Severe and persistent headaches (perhaps with disturbed vision and vomiting) and any oedema, particularly after the sixth month of pregnancy. Blood pressure should be checked, as should urine for the presence of excess protein.

Severe gastric infections with numerous bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea; fever and tropical heat can also lead to critical loss of fluid.

Watery discharge, spotting or labour pains late in pregnancy.

Feeling 'life' in the womb and then suddenly finding it is strangely calm or quiet over a noticeably long period.

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