For women who are pregnant or thinking they may be pregnant, there are special considerations for international travel. With careful and thorough planning, many pregnant women are able to travel safely.
Pre-Travel Consultation
Before leaving on any international trip, a woman who is pregnant should set up a consultation with her obstetrician. A primary focus of the pre-travel consultation will be to determine the gestational age of the baby and evaluate if there are any high-risk conditions present. An ultrasound or blood tests may be needed to determine a reliable due date and if a normal pregnancy is expected. A pregnant woman may also need certain vaccines depending on her travel destination. The physician should also discuss the destination, mode and length of travel, accommodations, itinerary and planned activities. This information can help identify ways to avoid travel-related risks. If approved for travel, it’s recommended that a pregnant woman obtain a copy of her medical records and a letter confirming her due date, fitness to travel and medications (if applicable).
Even if a woman is approved for international travel, pregnancy complications may cause her obstetrician to recommend delaying travel. Complications may include but are not limited to placenta abruption, abnormal fetal presentation, incompetent cervix, suspected or history of ectopic pregnancy, multiple gestations, or a maternal age under 15 or over 35 years old. In addition, details of the travel plans may not be ideal for a woman who is pregnant. Trips that would expose an expecting mother to prolonged periods of temperature extremes, high altitudes or humidity, or pollution would not be recommended.
Travel Considerations
An expecting mother who is approved for international travel should pack a travel kit tailored to her condition. In addition to first-aid items recommended for all travelers, pregnant travels should also pack prescription medications, prenatal vitamins, antacids and support hose. Packing a blood pressure monitor or having access to one while traveling is recommended. Regular blood pressure monitoring can help with early detection of pregnancy complications.
Urgent Medical Situations for Pregnant Women
Despite all the planning and special considerations, emergency situations may still arise. If the following signs or symptoms develop while traveling internationally, an expecting mother should seek immediate medical care:
- Any unusual or new pelvic or abdominal pain
- Any bleeding
- Leakage of fluid
- Contractions or preterm labor
- Unusual swelling, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness or changes in vision
- Any unusual leg swelling or pain in the calf or thigh
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- OR any other new symptoms or any new concerns
International Air Medical Transportation During Pregnancy
In the event that a medical emergency occurs for a pregnant traveler, an international air medical transportation may be necessary. SentinelMED’s team of qualified logistics and medical professionals are able to determine the appropriate form of affordable air medical transportation and can help manage the process from end-to-end. As an air medical transportation service, we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to a pregnant patient who is away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about our services and staff.
