Pregnant And Traveling To Mexico: Is It Safe?

Travelling while pregnant can be safe with careful preparation. However, there are some important considerations to take into account before booking a trip to Mexico if you are 6 weeks pregnant. Firstly, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider to discuss your personal health circumstances, as travel may not be advised if you have pregnancy complications. It is also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with travelling to Mexico, such as the Zika virus, malaria, and food poisoning. Additionally, the quality of medical care and insurance coverage may differ from your home country, so it is crucial to research and plan thoroughly to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Travel insurance

Coverage for Pregnancy Complications

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

If you discover you are pregnant after purchasing travel insurance, some policies may allow you to cancel your trip due to a normal pregnancy. You will need to provide medical records to verify the pregnancy started after the policy purchase date. In the case of unforeseen pregnancy-related health issues documented by a doctor, you may be able to file a trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance claim. It's important to carefully review the terms of your policy, as the coverage for these scenarios can vary among insurance companies.

Medical Coverage While Abroad

If you are travelling outside of your home country, it is crucial to have travel medical insurance. This type of insurance will cover unforeseen pregnancy complications up to your policy limits. However, it is important to note that medical expenses related to routine pregnancy care or natural childbirth are generally not covered, even with a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver. Travel medical insurance can also help with expenses such as hospital and doctor bills, ambulance services, and medicine if you require treatment for any other medical issues during your trip.

Understanding Eligibility and Restrictions

Pregnant travellers should be aware of eligibility requirements and restrictions in travel insurance policies. Some insurers may have age restrictions and may not cover older pregnant travellers due to increased risk. High-risk pregnancies are also typically not eligible for coverage. Additionally, pre-existing conditions related to pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, may be excluded from standard policies, but some insurers offer waivers for an additional premium. It is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand what is and isn't covered.

Planning and Preparation

When considering travel during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are fit to travel and address any specific concerns or complications. It is also important to research your destination, including locating nearby medical facilities and understanding the local laws and medical services related to pregnancy. By planning ahead and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, you can help protect your health and peace of mind during your trip.

Vaccinations

Pregnancy does not prevent you from receiving vaccines that can protect the health of you and your unborn baby. However, not all vaccinations are suitable for pregnant women, so it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider about which ones to get. A careful risk-benefit analysis is needed for every individual, and the decision on whether to vaccinate should be made in conjunction with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Inactivated vaccines cannot replicate and therefore cannot cause disease in either the mother or her unborn baby. Most inactivated vaccines can be used if the risk of disease is considered high. Live vaccines, on the other hand, are usually avoided during pregnancy due to a theoretical concern that they could potentially infect the unborn baby. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox (varicella), and yellow fever. However, the use of live vaccines in pregnancy may be appropriate if travel is unavoidable and the risk of the disease is high.

It is recommended that pregnant women get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines before travelling. Vaccines help prevent serious illness caused by the virus.

It is also important to be aware of the availability and standard of medical care at your destination, as well as any existing health risks and travel warnings. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to get destination-specific advice and recommendations.

Food and water safety

• Only eat food that is cooked and served hot. Avoid food that has been sitting at room temperature, such as at a buffet.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish.
• Do not drink tap water or anything that contains ice.
• Only drink beverages such as water, soda, and juices that are factory-sealed.
• Do not eat unpasteurized dairy products.

If you do get Traveller's Diarrhea, it is important to drink plenty of safe liquids and let it pass. Avoid taking medications containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, as these are not recommended for pregnant women. Check with your healthcare provider for an approved list of medications you can take.

In addition, it is recommended to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or you have washed and peeled them yourself. Tap water may not be safe in many middle- and low-income countries, so it is recommended to boil it for one minute before drinking or use bottled water. Do not put ice made from unboiled water in your drinks, and do not drink out of glasses that may have been washed in unboiled water. Brush your teeth with bottled water.

It is also important to be aware of food-borne and water-borne diseases. Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom or changing diapers, after contact with animals or sick people, and before and after touching raw meat, poultry, fish, and seafood. If you are in an area that lacks proper sanitation and/or access to clean drinking water, only drink water if it has been boiled or disinfected or if it is in a commercially sealed bottle. Use ice only if it is made from purified or disinfected water. Do not use iodine for water purification for long periods, as this could affect the thyroid development of the fetus. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and soft cheeses, as well as unpasteurized juice and cider. Raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or fish, including shellfish, and non-dried deli meats should also be avoided.

Altitude and climate

Mexico City is located in the Valley of Mexico, within the high Mexican central plateau, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft). The city experiences a subtropical highland climate due to its tropical location and high elevation. The altitude and climate of Mexico City are important factors to consider when planning travel, especially for pregnant women.

At an elevation of over 2,000 meters, Mexico City has a yearly median temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), with pleasant summers and mild winters. The annual average temperature is 18 °C (64 °F), with January being the coldest month and May the warmest. The daily highs and lows for May average 26°C and 12°C, respectively, while January averages 19°C and 6°C. The city's high altitude results in a generally mild climate, with marginal seasonal fluctuations.

However, it is important to note that Mexico City's climate can vary significantly throughout the year. Rainfall occurs mainly between June and October, with the wettest month typically being July. The city receives an average of only 5 millimeters of rain in February but more than 160 millimeters in July. This wet season can bring heavy rains and even hurricanes, which can impact travel plans and increase the risk of waterborne illnesses.

When considering travel to Mexico City, it is crucial to take into account the potential impact of altitude and climate on your health, especially during pregnancy. High altitudes can pose risks for pregnant women, and it is generally recommended to avoid travelling to altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) if possible. Additionally, the climate in Mexico City can be quite different from what you may be accustomed to, and the temperature fluctuations and rain during the wet season should be taken into account when planning outdoor activities.

Furthermore, Mexico is known for having areas with sparse development, and the country's healthcare infrastructure may differ from what you are used to. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before travelling to Mexico while pregnant, as they can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific health circumstances. They can also advise you on any necessary vaccinations or medications and help you prepare for any potential health risks associated with the altitude and climate of Mexico City.

Medical facilities

Mexico has both public and private hospitals. While public hospitals are more affordable, private facilities often offer better care. The best public hospitals are usually located in large cities.

Public hospitals are covered by Mexican Social Security (Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social - IMSS). All residents are eligible for coverage, and employees must pay into the fund. Private hospitals, on the other hand, require private health insurance. Many national and international options are available, and it is common to have both social security (IMSS) and private health insurance coverage.

If you are a resident of Mexico, you can access free reproductive healthcare for women, including pregnancy tests and medical supplies. For pregnant women, the program provides medication, vitamin supplements, and other supplies. Contraception is also provided, and sexually transmitted infections are treated. Abortion is legal in Mexico City up to the twelfth week of pregnancy. Elsewhere in the country, abortion is much more strictly regulated.

If you are a traveller to Mexico, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist at least 4-6 weeks before you leave to get destination-specific advice. You should also ensure that your healthcare policy covers pregnancy and neonatal complications while overseas. If it doesn't, consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance that covers these items. Medical evacuation insurance is also recommended.

Before travelling, it is important to learn where to get healthcare during your trip and confirm that your insurance will be accepted. Carry a copy of your health record with you, and pack a travel health kit.

Frequently asked questions