Travelling to India...

[MissStimpy]

I have just discovered that I'm pregnant - about 1 month gone now. We had plans to travel to India in March for a month's holiday, landing in Mumbai and then staying mostly in Goa. I am thinking hard now about whether this is a good idea. I have been to see a nurse and would only need to take malaria tablets one week before Goa (which apparently are ok to take when pregnant), as am up to date with other injections. Does anyone have any advice about this? Has anyone travelled to India when pregnant? If yes what were your experiences? Would you recommend it? (posted this message somewhere else too, then thought best to start new thread - sorry, fairly new to mumsnet!)

I haven't travelled to India while pg but have travelled a lot to India and spent a lot of time there so let me know if you have any questions.

TBH I didn't take malaria tablets - I was in a low risk area and after my 2nd decision decided that the side effects were not good for me. I was ok without them. I am NOT advising that you do this though, especially if you are going to Mumbai.

I'd go if I was you - Goa is very advanced and not like a lot of areas in India. Just be sensible with food/cleanliness etc and you will be fine.

Thanks - that's really helpful and also encouraging! Goa is only listed as a variable risk in terms of malaria, and Mumbai as low risk - but I'd feel safer taking antimalarials. Do you think Mumbai is actually high risk then?

I would've said that Mumbai is higher risk than Goa, but am not an expert. I know where I was was low risk and I didnt take them the 2nd time I went and didn't bother any other time after that (not 2nd decision like my first post said!).

Go with what you feel safer with - if you are pg then you need to take every safe precaution you can, so you need the tabs.

Mumbai is lower malarial risk than Goa

What antimalarials do you plan to take? As I'm sure you know you will need to take them 1-7 days before you go to Goa, then the duration of your time there, then 1-4 weeks after leaving Goa.

Many people will travel to Goa and not take antimalarials but I think they're taking a risk, personally. Especially if pregnant as you are much more vulnerable.

Be extra vigilant with your food and water hygiene, bite avoidance and sun care.

Thanks. i plan to take chlorquine and proguanil, as they are apparently less potent and safer for pregnant women...