Fit to fly

[hahavzv]

Has anyone been to Malaysia whilst pregnant? Were you ever advised against it? What if you needed a fit to fly?

Haven't actually been to Malaysia, but had planned to go and have been to the same region while pregnant. As far as I am aware it is totally possible, and fine - and people obviously do it all the time to see family or travel for work. (Don't know if you're planning a holiday?) With that said, you need to make sure you have all your travel vaccinations, talk to your GP about potential risks in your pregnancy, check with the airline what sort of fit to fly evidence they need from you (some even have a language requirement, or need confirmation from a local doctor, it can be quite crazy!), and make sure you have rock solid travel insurance. Try to stick to urban areas (not fields or forests), use pregnancy-safe insect repellent, book good accommodation (e.g. with aircon), and be careful with food and water. Travel after 32 weeks is not advised, and most airlines will demand quite a lot of documentation at this point - plus you're not allowed to fly after 36 weeks. I'd say, ideally travel before the 26-28 week mark if you can really. To be honest, it is also a super long way to fly, so it will be quite uncomfortable after that time! I was anyway; back-ache, swollen ankles, etc. If you do go late second trimester/third trimester, make sure you get an aisle seat, move around a lot, and wear compression socks. If you go during first trimester nausea... good luck! That's my two cents!

Check your travel insurance - many companies won't cover you after 28 weeks for pregnancy related illness or complications. You may need to find a specialist company

Is Zika virus still a thing there where they may advise against it? I checked the web and there are no outbreaks