Recommendation

Malaria may be more intense in pregnant women, and increases the risk of a miscarriage. In other words, travelling to regions where malaria is endemic is somewhat risky. We recommend against travelling to regions where multidrug-resistant malaria is endemic. Where possible, pregnant women should consult a travel vaccination clinic on this matter prior to booking their trip. Pregnant women travelling to a region where malaria is endemic must take very thorough anti-mosquito measures. Furthermore, it is vital that they stick to a proper anti-malarial regimen. However, certain anti-malarial drugs must not be taken during pregnancy.

Read the information leaflet on pregnancy and infections (in Dutch).

Travelling to a risk area for malaria

Pregnant women should weigh the importance of a trip to a risk area for malaria against the risks carefully. Malaria infection during pregnancy (particularly with falciparum malaria) poses a severe threat to both mother and unborn child. Therefore, we recommend against travelling to risk areas for malaria. At any rate, if you plan to travel while pregnant, you must consult a vaccination officer to get proper advice on which type of chemoprophylactic agent to get. Since not all anti-malarial drugs can be taken during pregnancy, you may not be able to achieve proper protection against malaria in certain regions.