My entire extended family has been planning a trip to Costa Rica this December for the past 2 years. I just found out that I am pregnant with my second child and will be 5 months during the trip. I am worried about malaria and can't decide whether or not to go. I have asked several doctors and have gotten mixed responses. We are going to Tamarindo, which is not a high risk malaria area and are just planning to stay on the beaches. I can't decide what to do, I really want to go but I don't want to do anything to jeopardize the pregnancy. Any thoughts?

bonelope, no one can tell you what to do, and you probably got mixed responses because some Dr.s tend to be more conservative in their responses than others (of course you know that).

Let me just say that, when we are in Costa Rica, we feel as secure medically than when we are in the U.S. Especially in the more populous areas. Right there in Tamarindo, there is a Dr. Jorge Calvo whom I would trust explicitly in an emergency. In San Jose (a 40 minute plane ride away) there are state of the art hospitals in CIMA and Clinica Biblica.

The drinking water isn't a problem, food is healthy, the people extremely warm and generous and friendly. Our daughter spent 8 weeks between her 2nd and 4th month studying Spanish and living with a family. She was alone and spent part of her time at the beach (Playa Flamingo) and the rest in the central valley (San Joaquin)--both campuses. She had morning sickness most of the time and felt lousy, but was able to do school, make friends, enjoy the family she stayed with, and learn lots of Spanish. I didn't think twice about her being there. We'd been many times, I'd stayed with the family before, knew them well. She even rented a car and did a weekend excursion of her own. Bear in mind, I tend to err on the side of caution and had absolutely no qualms.

Costa Rica isn't nearly as Third World as you'd think. I characterize it more as "Second World". It's a great place to visit, and during your 5th month, you'll probably be feeling your best. I hope you'll go and without worry. Just have a great time!

Hi, bonelope - there are preventative meds you can take for malaria - are you not able to take them if you are pregnant?

I've traveled to high risk malaria areas and taken medication, but I wouldn't worry one bit about going to Tamarindo while pregnant, especially in December.

But if you are worried, the recommended anti-malaria drug for Costa Rica, Chloroquine, is safe to use during pregnancy according to the CDC.

According to the FDA, chloroquine is still a Category C drug with respect to risks during pregnancy. A is safest, B less so, C less than that.

I think everyone here will tell you that we've never heard of a case a malaria in Tamarindo. That doesn't mean it hasn't happened, or couldn't happen. I really think the best advice you can get is from your obstetrician.

Whatever you do NOT take the antibiotic Doxycycline for the Malaria..
because you ARE pregnant.

You have already gotten mixed responses from your doctors....so in reality the final decision is yours.

Your risk in Tamarindo is very very low..but I doubt that information helps right now.

No matter how low the risk,I fully understand it is the baby your are worried about.

(Just don't take Tetracycline or Doxycycline for sure...it will stain the baby's teeth...forever).

Percy
Percy