General Recommendations For Travel During Pregnancy
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
General Recommendations For Travel During Pregnancy
Once a pregnant woman has decided to travel, a number of issues need clarification prior to departure. It is advisable for pregnant women to travel with a companion; in addition, attention to comfort becomes more important. The checklist below provides a guideline for planning with regard to medical considerations.
- Make sure health insurance is valid while abroad and during pregnancy. Check to see if the policy covers a newborn should delivery take place. Obtain a supplemental travel insurance policy and a prepaid medical evacuation insurance policy.
- Check medical facilities at the destination. For women in the last trimester, medical facilities should be able to manage complications of pregnancy, toxemia, and cesarean sections.
- Determine beforehand whether prenatal care will be required abroad and, if so, who will provide it. Make sure prenatal visits requiring specific timing are not missed.
- Check ahead of time whether blood is screened for HIV and hepatitis B at the destination. Pregnant travelers and their companions should know their blood types.
- Check facilities at the destination for availability of safe food and beverages, including bottled water and pasteurized milk
Motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. When available, seat belts should be fastened at the pelvic area. Lap and shoulder restraints are best; in most accidents, the fetus recovers quickly from the seat belt pressure. However, even after seemingly blunt, mild trauma, a physician should be consulted.
Typical problems of pregnant travelers are the same as those experienced at home: fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, vaginal discharge, leg cramps, increased frequency of urination, and hemorrhoids. Signs and symptoms that indicate the need for immediate medical attention are bleeding, passing tissue or clots, abdominal pain or cramps, contractions, ruptured membranes, excessive leg swelling, headaches, or visual problems.
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