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Travelling while pregnant

Having checked up on current recommendations, it seems the main problems are the same as for everyone else, just more so. On long haul trips, keeping well hydrated and avoiding alcohol ( not usually a problem for careful pregnant women) are important, as is moving around regularly. A pregnant woman’s circulation, especially in her legs, tends to be slower and she is at greater risk of developing a DVT. Wearing support socks would be wise. Book an aisle seat so that it is easy to get up.

If travelling, a couple of other points are important: check your travel insurance to make sure you are covered if you encounter medical problems. Some insurance companies will only provide cover up to 24 weeks and few, if any, will provide cover for an overseas birth. However, Australia has reciprocal health rights with the Britain, New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Ireland, Malta and The Netherlands, so giving birth in those countries would be fine and medical care would be free. Anywhere else could prove an expensive outcome.

Some airlines have restrictions on how late in the pregnancy that you can take off - Qantas is happy up to 36 weeks, whereas Air New Zealand wants a medical certificate for any travel beyond 32 weeks.

Apart from the travel itself, the main concerns are avoiding food poisoning - make sure that you only eat freshly cooked food and drink bottled water when the water supply is not safe. Carrying a basic medical kit with medications for common pregnancy problems such as diarrhoea, constipation, thrush and heartburn would be worthwhile.

Travelling while pregnant is a lot easier than travelling with a baby, and sensible precautions will increase comfort and safety. The chance to travel for work is an opportunity not to be missed and I hope this woman will not let her pregnant state stop her from taking up this offer.

Posted by andrea at September 07, 2003 08:40 AM

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