If you're due to travel to a place where malaria is present, you should delay trying for a baby while you're taking anti-malaria medication.
Women of childbearing age are advised to use contraception to avoid becoming pregnant in countries that have malaria. This is because pregnant women have an increased risk of developing severe malaria and a higher risk of fatality compared with non-pregnant women.
The risk to pregnant women is increased even when taking malaria pills because:
- they're more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes
- they may not be able to take the most effective anti-malarial medication for the area to be visited because these treatments are not advisable in pregnancy
With some anti-malaria medication, such as mefloquine, you should also make sure you don't get pregnant for at least three months after you've taken the last dose.
Speak to your GP for advice before you take any anti-malaria medication. You need to start taking some anti-malaria medicines before you travel, so seek advice well before your departure date.
What if I take anti-malaria medication then find out I'm pregnant?
If you find out you're pregnant within three months of taking anti-malaria medication, you should contact your GP as soon as possible for advice.
If you're abroad, you should get advice from a healthcare professional in the area where you're staying. The healthcare abroad section has more information and country-by-country guides for:
Avoid mosquito bites
While you're travelling in countries that have malaria, taking the steps below will help you to avoid getting mosquito bites:
- use a mosquito repellent on your skin and apply it often, following the manufacturer's instructions
- cover your arms and legs by wearing long-sleeved tops and long trousers after sunset
- use a spray or coil in your room to kill any mosquitoes before you go to bed
- sleep in a properly screened air-conditioned room or under a mosquito net that's been treated with insecticide – check there are no holes in the net
What if I'm already pregnant?
If you're pregnant, ideally you should not go to a place where malaria is present. If you have to travel, speak to your GP before taking any anti-malaria medication.
Some anti-malaria medicines are safe to take during pregnancy, but others should be avoided. For more information, see Can I take malaria tablets if I'm pregnant?
Read the answers to more questions about medicines.
Further information:
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