Pregnant women need to take every possible precaution to avoid
malaria. Malaria can cause death of the mother and
increase the risk of problems in a pregnancy. These problems can include
premature birth, birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirth. For these reasons,
and because medicines that prevent malaria do not always work, women who are
pregnant or likely to become pregnant should avoid travel to areas
where malaria is present.1
If you must travel, you can take certain medicines that prevent
malaria. Keep in mind that these medicines do not always work. So far, these
medicines have not proved harmful to the fetus. But their safety has not been
established.
You can also help prevent malaria by avoiding mosquito bites. Bed
nets, long-sleeved shirts, air conditioning, and staying indoors can
help.
Talk to your doctor, your local health department, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, or a travel clinic about your risk of
contracting malaria in the country where you intend to travel.
Citations
American Academy of Pediatrics (2006). Malaria. In LK
Pickering et al., eds., Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 27th ed., pp. 435-441. Elk Grove Village, IL:
American Academy of Pediatrics.
American Academy of Pediatrics (2006). Malaria. In LK
Pickering et al., eds., Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 27th ed., pp. 435-441. Elk Grove Village, IL:
American Academy of Pediatrics.
