Anti-Malarials in 1st Trimester - any experiences / advice?

[Travel123]

Hello,

I'm in a bit of a dilemma and wondered if anyone had any experiences or advice to offer?

I just found out I am four weeks pregnant, and am due to travel on a work trip to a dense forest region of West Africa, a high malaria zone, on Sunday. It is rainy season there.

The doctor is a bit hopeless, in that she says she can't really recommend any anti-malarials but cannot advise me to cancel the trip. She says it's my decision.

My last pregnancy ended in MC at 12 weeks and I am very paranoid about the same thing happening, although the doctor said to be aware that most pregnancies end in MC, therefore not to worry (!!).

I just wondered if anyone had taken anti-malarials during pregnancy and if so, which ones, and were they ok?

Any comments useful at this point!

Best wishes.

I wouldn't risk it, personally.

I know that the treatment for malaria can be dangerous for pregnant women, never mind the malaria itself. I don't think malaria prophylaxis is licensed for pregnant women either. All round, a situation you want to avoid.

But yes, go and see a tropical health specialist.

There is one that's used, but I can't remember the name. It's not Malarone, so it may be too late to start it anyhow.

I tried it, it made me vomit and I cancelled my trip.

You really must not go without malarial prophylaxis. The illness is far, far worse during pregnancy (can be dangerously serious).