My husband and I LOVE Asia and would like to return to Luang Prabang and maybe Thailand this summer. The happy problem we have is that I will be 19/20 weeks pregnant by the time we wish to travel (in early July). Is it too much of a risk to go in terms of food poisoning, malaria or dengue fever? We need advice please!

There are lots of pregnant women all over Asia but if you are worried it is probably best to discuss the issue with your doctor.

It sounds like you have been to both places before. Did you have any problems with food-borne illness? What kind of mosquito precautions did you take?

I agree that it's probably best to talk to your doctor beforehand, but if you were fine the last time around, you will likely be okay this time so long as you take the necessary precautions.

Yes, you'll "likely be okay." But what if you're not? Luang Prabang has very limited medical care. Do you really want to assume unnecessary risk for your baby?

True, if you got sick in LP, you'd want to fly to Bangkok immediately. Bangkok has world class medical care.

Do talk with your doctor as others have advised.

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I have been there before and loved it! Everywhere in Europe just seems so dull in comparison! The midwife seemed very conservative when we asked her, kind of like my mother in that she thinks these places are very backward! I have never had any sickness or problem with Mosquitos before but I was using deet which I can't in pregnancy. I realise that lots of women have babies in Asia and they are all perfectly fine but I was concerned about me because they have built up an immunity to the bugs/Mosquitos which I, as a white, over cosseted Irish girl have not! Any ideas on safe but amazing other places to go?

lol, I agree with you about Europe seeming dull in comparison to SE Asia!

Is there a good travel med clinic or professional in your area? They would likely to be the right person to talk with.

Malaria is the big question mark for you, as malaria in a pregnant women is a medical emergency.

Also, I understood that the current thinking about deet is that it is fine to use while pregnant. Has this changed? There is also the option of picardin, another effective repellant.

What about Bali? It is not considered malarial risk. You would have to be careful about food, but it sounds like you know how to do that. Like I mentioned earlier most of Thailand is low risk for malaria. LP is lower risk now than it was even a few years ago.

From the cdc website:


Insect Repellents

Insect repellents are an important way to help people protect themselves from infections spread by mosquitoes. DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) and picaridin are two effective and long-lasting insect repellents.

For general information on insect repellent use, please see
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/west...entUpdates.htm,
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/west..._repellent.htm, and
http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/index.cfm

Insect Repellents and Pregnancy

Pregnant women might ask if DEET is safe to be used during pregnancy. DEET does cross the placenta. However, the effects of DEET use in pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied. There have been no studies of picaridin use in pregnant women.

Infections spread by mosquitoes can be harmful to a developing baby. Therefore, the benefits of insect repellent use might outweigh any potential harm. To lower the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, pregnant women should stay indoors during peak times of mosquito activity (usually dawn and dusk) and wear protective clothing. Pregnant women should apply insect repellent primarily to their clothing and, in small amounts, to exposed skin when necessary.

For more information on use of DEET during pregnancy, please see
http://www.otispregnancy.org/files/deet.pdf

You will be ok. Just take extra precautions when eating and protecting yourself against mosquito's

Do you lend out your crystal ball, Simond01?

I have a friend who was pretty sure going to Havana while pregnant would be fine. She fell into an uncovered deep construction hole in the street one night. While she was not seriously injured, she could have been. Her child has been diagnosed with autism. No one know what causes what. One thing about parenthood is that you will take things more seriously once the child is in your arms. As a mother of a healthy teen who is himself going to China this week, I would say you should not take any unnecessary risk whatsoever during pregnancy for your own entertainment. It is simply not worth it. You will never forgive yourself if anything goes wrong. Sorry to spoil the fun, but you are thinking for two now, and one of you can't speak up yet.

Life is a risk no matter where you are. If you are healthy and feeling good, go for it and have fun! And then you can tell your little one they've been to Thailand and Laos!

Risk is not a constant. That's the discussion here.

I would be concerned about how you will feel on a very long flight, especially if you are flying coach. It is hard for someone who is not pregnant to be comfortable. Plus long lines for the bathroom.
I don't know where you are traveling from, but Europe can be lovely and closer.