What risks does staying in a malaria area pose for pregnant women?
February 23, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Paula Voigt
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Daniel Weiß and I am currently in the 12th week of pregnancy. My husband and I had planned a vacation in a malaria area before we knew I was pregnant. Now I am very concerned about the risks that staying in a malaria area may pose for me and my unborn child.
I have already heard about the potential dangers of malaria during pregnancy, such as premature birth, miscarriage, low birth weight of the baby, and complications for the mother. As I have not taken any special precautions, I am worried that I may have already been infected with malaria.
I also wonder if it is safe to take malaria medication during pregnancy. Can a malaria infection during pregnancy have an impact on the health of my baby, even if I am already being treated? What steps should I take to protect myself and my baby from malaria, and how can I ensure that any potential infection is detected and treated in time?
I would be very grateful if you could inform me in detail about the risks of staying in a malaria area for pregnant women and suggest possible solutions to ensure the best possible health for me and my baby.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Daniel Weiß
Dear Mr. Weiß,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a tropical medicine specialist. It is understandable that you are concerned about the possible risks of staying in a malaria area during your pregnancy. Malaria is indeed a serious disease, especially for pregnant women, as it can be associated with various complications.
First and foremost, it is important to know that malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites. In malaria areas, the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito is significantly higher. During pregnancy, your immune system is weakened, making you more susceptible to infections, including malaria. An infection with malaria during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, as you have already mentioned.
If you have already been in a malaria area and are concerned that you may have been infected, it is important that you see a doctor immediately. Malaria can be diagnosed through a blood test and treated accordingly. Treatment of malaria during pregnancy requires special caution, as not all medications are safe for the unborn child. Therefore, it is important that you consult a doctor who has experience in treating malaria in pregnant women.
However, there are also ways to protect yourself from a malaria infection. The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites. This includes wearing long-sleeved clothing, applying insect repellent to exposed skin areas, and sleeping under a mosquito net. It is also advisable to take appropriate prophylactic medication in consultation with a doctor when traveling to a malaria area.
Overall, it is important that you undergo regular prenatal check-ups during your pregnancy to detect and treat potential complications early. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you have further questions or uncertainties.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you all the best for your pregnancy.
Best regards,
Paula Voigt
