travel to Mexico while pregnant

[2ndtimer]

Hi Everyone,
I have a trip to Mexico planned next month. DH & I booked trip before I got the good news about the pregnancy. We're going to Playa del Carmen & then on to Tulum. At first I wasn't worried at all about the trip but now I starting to worry about everything. Mostly because my sister is freaking out about the trip & "how unsafe it is."
I've been to Mexico before & know not to drink the water or eat raw fruits/vegatables. Does anyone else have any traveling tips? We're planning of taking it easy, laying on the beach, & possibly exploring some ruins/pyramids.
Thanks,
2ndtimer

[MBG]

2ndtimer: Hello! I would say go and enjoy yourselves! You are just going to have to be a little more cautious than if you weren't with baby...if you are staying on a resort food should be fine!

Enjoy the sun and your DH....you have been through a lot to get where you are and you deserve some good times!!

MBG

[srlegaspi]

My doctor told me after my IVF took and I became pregnant NOT to go to Mexico.

The last time we went which was about a year ago (went with 60 people), 35 of us, got violently ill.

Anyway, my doctor said that if we went to Mexico and something happened that they would not be able to do anything for us because there is not very good medical care there.

[woodcliff]

2nd timer...I wouldn't risk it. Mostly due to the water...but if you feel confident that you know how to handle H20, fruit, veggies, etc in Mexico, it'll be a tough decision for you.

I went to Europe for 5 weeks and 'stayed put' in Italy while between weeks 14 to 19...but that's not exactly Mexico...water is clean

As to 'being able to do something' at 9 weeks? Can't do anything for you before 20 weeks anyhow--anything prior to 20 weeks is a miscarriage, after that there are meds docs can give you. So that should not even be a concern, you are too early along if something bad were to happen (WHICH IT WILL NOT!)

Good luck. Not worth the risk, if I were you I'd cancel.
(But of course I'm not you! )

[srlegaspi]

We didn't drink the water or eat veggies/fruit and 35 of us got very ill. I think that their food is just very different there. They do not have FDA regulations and meat and milk just sit out. You have to be careful of anything you put in your mouth. If you got some kind of food that had listeria it could kill your fetus. You just do not know what you are getting over there. It sucks but I just don't know if I would risk it.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

[deepa100]

I wouldn't go.

[2ndtimer]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all the input. It's a lot to think about. I feel pretty confident I can avoid any water/food problems since we've been before several times. I use bottled water even to brush my teeth. If nothing else, I can just drink bottled water & eat crackers for a week, and we've staying at a fairly civilized area most of the time. BUT it is still a lot to consider. It's taken me 7 years to get pregnant so I kind of want to wrap myself in bubble wrap for the next 7 months.
I'm not too worried about the medical care situation. Like WoodCliff said, it's still so early in the pregnancy -what are they going to do? Besides, I've learned from past trips that the pharmacies sell almost anything over the counter so we can treat minor problems ourselves or get back on the plane to the US.
I'll definitely talk things over with my MD. I either want to go & feel good about it or stay home.
Shantell, I'm sorry you had such a rotten trip! That type of thing happens every now & then on cruise ships & resorts -the kitchens just get sloppy.
Thanks everyone,
2ndtimer

[tryw8]

Well, I've very envious 2ndtimer.

Have a great time. My OB/GYN has taken me off my feet for the time being. I don't know for how long. I don't think I can last being bedridden for more than a day. It was really hard being off my feet for 3 days after the FET.

I've found out that my OB/GYN is really strict once his patient becomes pregnant with IVF. He told me, you've come this far and doesn't want to jeopardize it.

[2ndtimer]

Hi Tryw8,
Congrats on your BFP! Why are you on bedrest now?
2ndtimer

[kasoucy]

It's so weird that I found your message about Mexico. I am scheduled to get my blood test on Wednesday to find out if I get a BFP. I too have a trip to Playa del Carmen and Tulum scheduled for next month and worry about being pregnant while I'm there. I've been told the same thing about the water...I didn't hear anything about raw fruits and veggies so if I'm pg I'll be sure to stay away from that too. I think as long as you take it easy and be cautious of what you eat and drink it should be great. If anything, the relaxation will be good for you Have fun!

[2ndtimer]

Hi Kasoucy,
I've talked about this with my MD & there's just general warnings PLUS the listeria warnings that all pregnant women everywhere need to follow. So I'm really looking forward to the trip now. I'm always careful when I go there, this time I'll just be a little more careful. Meanwhile, I'd rather be on a beach in Mexico than working here!
Just be careful not to drink the water, even to rinse your mouth. Fresh fruits & vegetables, especially if they arent washed & peeled. Be careful of milk products that aren't properly refrigerated. The normal Montezuma's revenge won't do anything be make you sick.
The thing to really watch out for is listeria(outbreaks here in the US too). That's the one that can hurt/kill the fetus. No unpasterized milks or cheeses, no lunch meats, no uncooked hot dogs, no smoked salmon, no sushi. These are the things that all pregnant women should avoid.
In general, don't let it drive you crazy or ruin the trip, just be careful. Cooked foods are generally safe.
2ndtimer

[sharishu]

Rebecca-
Sounds like the trip will be great fun + relaxing. I'm quite envious. You really sound like you know which precautions you need to take (down to rinsing with bottled water ). So just stick to that and have a great time down there. Caramba!

Health and hugs.
Shari

[2ndtimer]

Thanks Shari,
Congrats on making 10 weeks! Doesn't it feel good with each passing week?
Rebecca

[LostGirl]

2nd timer,
I am about to leave for Cancun on Friday, and found this old link. I'd love to hear how going to Mexico went while pregnant and if you had any tips food-wise?
On Friday I will be 13 weeks, so I'm hoping my energy levels will rebound and I'll be ready to spend some time in the pool with the 1-year-old of the other couple we are traveling with.

Any advice about Mexico for a fellow pregnant lady?

lostgirl

[2ndtimer]

Hi LostGirl,
I was at 14 weeks for the trip and had a great time! The only tips I can offer to is say that: 1) expect to get tired way, way easier. I mean, I knew I would get tired but sometimes just walking down the beach wore me out. But sleeping on the beach was WONDERFUL. I couldn't even finish my book that I brought. 2) The heat effected me more than I expected, so take it easy & drink plenty of water. Especially when we went to see Chitchen Itza, I was just so hot the whole time. Pace yourself. 3) Since I've gone, I truly don't believe there's anything to "overly" worry about. Just be careful with what you eat. They tend to spread the queso fresco cheese all over things like the refried beans. Just scrape it off the top. The other thing that I found was that I would get these "pregnancy" moments sometimes when we were out to eat and things that sounded great to me when I ordered, suddenly looked & smelled horrible to me when it arrived on the table -so don't be surprised if that happens to you. No big deal, but you may want to order less food than normal at meals.
Anyway, DH & I had a wonderful time. It was our "babymoon" vacation. Have a great time!
2ndtimer