China travel and newly pregnant (update, not pregnant)

usfchic8 · February 2014

Hello all! I am Rosio. I am 7 weeks with my first and still taking it in but very excited.

I know I am still in very early stages and thankfully haven't had any ms or anything. Hubby and I had booked a trip out to China last year and we leave in a couple of weeks. We are going to Beijing and Shanghai, my concerns: Beijing has really bad pollution, like a couple of days in January it was "hazardous" according to the US Embassy. Although I have done a lot of research in the last few days, I would love some advice on a few things:

- I have my appointment for the Hep A vaccine (I know I waited until the last minute) in a few days, safe while pregnant? I read that there is not enough evidence to put it on the avoid list but hoping someone has some experience.

- Should I get a mask for the pollution? It is only a few days in Beijing and I woudn't have bothered before but now thinking it might be a good idea. I have read online though that it might not even make a difference.

- And lastly, any advice on how to be comfortable on an 11 hour flight? I don't love flying so in the past, I have had wine/drinks to keep me calm and that will not be an option this time around.

Thanks in advance!

Squiddly · February 2014

You should call your doctor about the Hep A and the pollution thing. I've been to China and the pollution is REALLY bad some days. All of my Chinese relatives who were born and raised in China and who have died have died from COPD and other lung-related problems.

barely · February 2014

Wow, this is a tough one. I would definitely call your doctor.

argonne · February 2014

I travelled extensively throughout Asia when I was pregnant with my first. A lot of that was in China (Beijing and Hing Kong). I already had my Hep A prior to getting pregnant, so I would definitely ask your doctor about that. As far as pollution, it can get pretty bad. I wouldn't think a few days would hurt but I would also consult with your doctor. A mask may not be a bad idea and you wouldn't be too out of place. A lot of Chinese people don masks due to pollution and illness.

usfchic8 · February 2014

Thanks, ladies. I think we will get the masks, just in case. We can always remove them for quick photos.

I have a call into my Dr although I will be seeing her in a few days.

KAGPowell · February 2014

I made a long flight from middle of nowhere Mahon, Spain to nyc (26 hours total) at 7 weeks and spent the whole time with a barf bag. All I can say is to definitely get a mask (In Beijing you can find super cute ones) and make friends with flight attendants and see if you can get a bathroom seat or an aisle for mad dashes to the bathroom.

MisstoMissus · February 2014

I would also suggest packing a bunch of non-perishable snacks to take with you. I normally roll my eyes at people who bring food from home when traveling instead of embracing the local cuisine, but you may find that your taste buds have changed and you want to have options for yourself.

I hope you have a great trip-- be sure to post here afterward and let everyone know what worked for you!

usfchic8 · February 2014

I was thinking about the snacks, I am going to make a list of snacks to take.

And thanks for the tip for the flight, I am not super excited about a long flight.

Also, my Dr called me back and said it is not recommended for me to get the Hep A vaccine since I am pregnant. I have traveled to Peru, Costa Rica, and Western Europe without it so I should be fine but of course, now I am worried since I was expecting to get it.

However, when my husband got his done and asked the nurse about it, she said it was better to get the shot than get Hep A. Get another opinion?

ILoveRunning · February 2014

If you are concerned I would go ahead and get a second opinion. Did you look at the CDC website? It sounds like they recommend it if there is a high risk situation.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm

usfchic8 · February 2014

I saw the CDC site, I just am not sure if China is high risk since it is not required.

However, I found an OBG, booked an appt and also was told it really is not recommended. So FYI for all of you wondering, Hep A vaccine is in the type C category for pregnancy vaccines which is 2 down from "totally ok". The Dr said if I get Hep A, it can be treated and although I might not feel great, it will not harm the baby vs the vaccine that may (not enough info about the effects). So, I am not getting it.

Thank you all for you help.

jmathi0149 · February 2014

I am in Thailand 11 weeks pregnant. Drink plenty of water on the flight and walk around at least once per hour to keep your blood circulating. I had an aisle seat by request. It was a lifesaver. Definitely bring snacks. The smells of a lot of the local food leaves me dry heaving as we walk by so I have eaten a ton of Austin peanut butter crackers. Bring tissues with you. All of the public restroom may not have toilet paper. I didn't have the hep a shot and I have been fine. My doctor was fine with me traveling as long as I used common sense.

usfchic8 · March 2014

Thank y'all again for the tips.

The trip was great and no incidents. I never did get the Hep A shot (OBG did not recommend). She just said drink only bottled water and fruits/veggies must be peeled or cooked. Also, thankfully we took the masks, even DH used it some of the time. Pollution was pretty bad while we were in Beijing.

Unfortunately, after we got back and saw the OBG, we didn't hear a heartbeat so that sucks. We just got the news yesterday so trying to figure all this out. We hadn't told anyne yet so at least we don't have to deal with that. We decided to just wait rather than do the pills or other options. We'll see how I am doing in another week or so.

AggieBeth06 · March 2014

I'm sorry for your loss.

usfchic8 · March 2014

Thank you, ladies. It is tougher than I thought but we are getting through it and will be TTC as soon as the Dr says we can.

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