Posted on Monday, February 13th, 2012 at 9:03 am

Having a baby is a monumental moment in many people’s lives. No matter what country someone is from or having a baby in, there is one common goal: to have a healthy pregnancy while traveling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following day-to-day tips, especially when traveling, to keep carrying moms and their unborn baby safe from infection:

1. Wash your hands often, especially after the following:
   Using the bathroom
   Cooking or eating
   Touching raw food products
   Gardening or touching soil
   Handling pets
   Being around people who are sick
   Changing diapers
   Coming in contact with saliva
   Interacting with children
2. Do not share eating utensils, food or cups with children:
   Many parents share these items with their children, however, a child’s saliva could contain a virus that can be dangerous for those who are pregnant.
3. Ensure your meat is fully cooked:
   The inside should not be pink and it should leak clear juice before consumption. Also, try to avoid lunch meats such as deli meat and hot dogs unless they are reheated to steaming temperatures.
4. Avoid unpasteurized milk and foods
5. Avoid dirty kitty cat litter:
   If this is inevitable, ensure gloves are worn during the process and hands are thoroughly washed afterwards.
6. Stay away from rodents and their droppings:
   This includes pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs.
7. Ensure you do not have an STD:
   Some individuals can be infected and not have any symptoms. It is important to get tested so necessary measures can be taken to help avoid the baby becoming infected as well.
8. Get properly vaccinated:
   Some vaccines must be done before pregnancy, some during and some after. To help support a healthy pregnancy while traveling, talk to your doctor about what extra vaccines are needed and when they should be taken.
9. Avoid people who have infections:
   Traveling involves being around a lot of people, often in small areas. Try to avoid being near those who seem ill and wear a protective face mask when possible.
10. Get the facts about group B Strep:
    Get tested to find out if you carry these bacteria and find out how to protect your baby during labor from contracting it.

For a health pregnancy while traveling, it is also important to ensure you have international health insurance that includes maternity. The Student Secure plan and Citizen Secure plan offer varying maternity coverage. If you would like more information on either of these plans, contact one of our licensed agents today.

Posted by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined International Student Insurance in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.