Vanuatu whilst pregnant

[sb1707]

Hi all, I'm heading to Vanuatu for Christmas and will be 10 weeks pregnant. Obviously not the best timing but we had been trying for a while with no luck so thought it would be ok.

I was wondering has anyone been to Vanuatu recently and did you see many mosquitos?

I've read that it's ok in Port Vila where we are going and people saying not to worry but of course have some concerns due to Zika and Malaria! And I can't take the anti malaria drugs due to being pregnant!

The dengue fever mozzies are generally most active around at dawn and dusk I believe, so make sure you’re under a net at those points. Cover yourself with DEET (generally advised safe in pregnancy).

You can take a specific malaria tablet that is safe in pregnancy but I would speak to a vaccine specialist beforehand.

Not been to Vanuatu but I have travelled to other areas with Zika and Malaria whilst pregnant. Most recently I was 5/6 weeks when in Senegal. I used a roll on deet based insect repellent on my exposed areas and the Neil's Yard Citronella spray www.nealsyardremedies.com/products/citronella-formula-100ml
I'm now currently cuddling my 2 week old perfectly healthy baby.
Have a good time on your trip! The best way to go protect yourself is to avoid getting bites in the first place.

Oh I also don't usually take malaria tablets even when I'm not pregnant as they make me feel weird and don't actually stop you getting malaria.

Thank you!!! I know they have to put the fear in you as of course it is possible but everything I could find really just said put on bug spray and stay indoors during peak times.

My husband also pointed out if I wasn't pregnant I wouldn't take the malaria tablet anyway! The one you can take whilst pregnant has the possibility of some horrific side effects so I don't want to take that!

I think my plain of cover up and bath in bug spray seems like my best bet!

Thank you everyone for your help!