Pregnancy and Insect-Borne Diseases

Travel to areas with a high risk of malaria should be avoided during pregnancy whenever possible. Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe malaria, which can also pose significant risks to the pregnancy and the unborn baby. Protection against mosquito bites is therefore particularly important, and antimalarial medication may be recommended for some destinations.

Other mosquito-borne infections, including dengue fever and Zika virus infection, may also be important considerations during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy. Always check the latest recommendations for your destination before travelling.

Whenever possible, choose destinations where good-quality medical care is readily available. Complications during pregnancy or childbirth may require urgent medical attention, and the availability and standard of healthcare vary considerably between countries and regions.

Air Travel During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women can fly safely during much of their pregnancy, but airline policies vary. Some airlines require a medical certificate from around 28 weeks of pregnancy and may restrict air travel during the later stages of pregnancy.

• Check your airline's rules before travelling.
• Make sure your travel insurance provides adequate pregnancy-related cover for the entire trip.
• Move your legs regularly during longer flights.
• Drink plenty of fluids and consider wearing compression stockings on long-haul flights.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is not recommended during pregnancy because the effects of pressure changes and exposure to increased levels of dissolved nitrogen on the developing baby are not sufficiently understood. Snorkelling, however, is generally considered acceptable during an uncomplicated pregnancy.