Travel patterns and advice-seeking behaviour of pregnant women in the Australian context: A multicentre cross-sectional analysis.

Abstract

Travel poses risks to pregnant women, but little data exist describing the travel habits of women during pregnancy or pre-travel recommendations given. To examine travel patterns of pregnant women including frequency of pre-travel consultation, and advice recalled. Cross-sectional analysis of post-partum women admitted to five Victorian maternity hospitals between 21 May 2019 and 22 April 2020 in Australia. Forty-four percent (182/410) of women travelled during pregnancy, 32.9% (135/410) interstate and 19.5% (80/410) internationally. Fifty-five percent travelled for leisure (118/215) and 27% to visit friends/relatives (58/215). Overall, 68.1% (124/182) sought pre-travel advice, primarily from an obstetrician (60.5%, 75/124) or general practitioner (29.8%, 37/124). Only one woman attended a travel clinic. The most common reason for not seeking pre-travel advice was the belief that travel posed no risk (63.4%, 45/71). Pre-travel advice was sought least by those visiting friends/relatives (61.4%, 35/57). Women recalled recommendations regarding travel restrictions by gestational age and venous thromboembolism precautions, but not infectious disease prevention for those to whom it was relevant. Of international travellers, 48.8% (39/80) sought advice from the internet, one-third (13/39) as an alternative to seeing a healthcare provider. Travel is common during pregnancy and women seek pre-travel advice from the healthcare provider they see most often during pregnancy. All pregnant women should be provided with consistent, evidence-based pre-travel advice regardless of whom they consult. Further work is needed to educate and provide resources to maternity care providers to optimise pre-travel counselling.