If you have an underlying condition such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or even anaemia, talk to your doctor about writing you a brief medical report detailing the severity of your condition and all the medication you are taking to control your ailment.
Travelling whilst pregnant can be a tricky affair. Here are a couple of tips to help you plan for your trip this holiday.
Reduce your risk of leg clots
Pregnancy puts you at an increased risk of developing clots in the veins of your legs – a condition known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Lack of mobility during long trips heightens the risk further. If you are travelling by road, take breaks at least every hour, get out of the car and stretch your legs for at least five minutes (where possible, take a short walk).
The same applies for long haul flights. Try and walk up and down the aisle regularly just to help improve your venous circulation. Talk to your doctor about using special compression stockings (TED stockings) during long trips to help reduce your risk for DVT.
Carry a medical report if you have an underlying condition
If you have an underlying condition such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or even anaemia, talk to your doctor about writing you a brief medical report detailing the severity of your condition and all the medication you are taking to control your ailment.
Carry this letter with you everywhere as it becomes an invaluable source of information for any other doctor treating you should you become unwell whilst on holiday. This letter must also indicate any allergies you may have to medication and your blood type (this is always assessed during your clinic visits).
The letter must also include information about your gestation dates (when you are expected to deliver). Where possible, carry a copy of your last foetal (baby) ultrasound report and your clinic card/booklet with you.
Carry all your medication
Ensure that you carry a sufficient supply of your prescription medication with you (enough to last you the entire trip). If you are travelling abroad, you are unlikely to be able to purchase prescription medication using a script from a Kenyan medical practitioner.
Inform your health insurance provider
If you plan to leave the country, always inform your health insurance provider. Some of them do not pay for any medical expenses incurred outside the country if you haven’t informed them of your trip.
Try and find out where the nearest health facility is located
A large number of women in Kenya lose their babies because they find themselves in a health facility that cannot handle a particular pregnancy related emergency. Before you travel, find out where the nearest health facility in your holiday destination is located.
Find out if the facility can handle a preterm baby if need be. If not, ensure that you carry contacts of emergency service providers (both ambulance and air rescue) to help transfer you to a well-equipped facility if need be.
Check airline policy
Most airlines will not allow a woman who is over 36 weeks pregnant to travel. (A few use a cut-off point of 32 weeks – especially if expecting multiple babies). Always inquire in advance about the airline policy. Most also need a letter of clearance from your obstetrician if you are travelling whilst in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy.
Support your back
Your distended belly causes “unusual” mechanical forces to act on your back leading to pain and discomfort. This can further be worsened by sitting for prolonged periods. It may be useful to find a small pillow to put at the lower aspect of your back whilst seated.
Beware of raw fish and sea food
Generally speaking, most fish is safe to eat in pregnancy — provided it is well cooked and safely prepared. Sea food may have high amounts of mercury. Shark, tuna, mackerel and swordfish should be avoided in pregnancy.
Vaccines
Some countries require that you get certain vaccines before you arrive there. Some of these vaccines may not be safe to administer in pregnancy. Always discuss any travel vaccination with your doctor to determine whether you should receive it.
Malaria prevention
Malaria is endemic to several parts of Kenya and it has been known to cause complications in pregnancy. Some people have made it common practice to take anti-malaria drugs before travelling to areas such as the coast and Lake Victoria basin.
These drugs are not all safe for use in pregnancy and you must discuss them with your doctor. In addition, taking these drugs doesn’t always prevent you from getting malaria.
If you are travelling to a malaria endemic zone, make use of mosquito deterrents such as nets, insect repellents and coils/insecticides. If you get any fever whilst in these areas or immediately after your holiday, ensure that you get tested for this parasite. Prompt treatment of a proven infection is the surest way of preventing malaria related pregnancy complications.
Belt up
The vast majority of pregnant women travelling by road do not belt up (especially in the third trimester). Most site discomfort caused by the belt as the reason for not belting up. This decision often proves fatal for both mother and baby in the event of an accident. All pregnant women must properly tie their safety belts when travelling.
In addition, one should never hold a child on your lap – even if you are seated on the back seat. Often in the event of an accident, the child seated on the adult’s lap is the worst casualty.
Traveller’s diarrhoea
This is the most common ailment amongst holiday makers. Never buy over the counter medication for traveller’s diarrhoea whilst pregnant – some of it is not suitable for use by expectant mothers and can be harmful to your unborn baby.
In the event of developing traveller’s diarrhoea, take plenty of fluid and seek medical advice. Oral Rehydration Solution/ORS (commonly used in children with a runny tummy), can be safely ingested in pregnancy.
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