I've just been informed that my oldest daughter is pregnant with what will be my second grandchild. The thing is, I have booked a hunt in June for myself and my youngest daughter, and also planned to bring my oldest along as an observer -photographer. This I'm sure will be her only chance to visit Africa. She will be 8 months along at the time. This is a really dumb question because I am sure I know the answer, but would it be safe to bring her along? I'm sure it would be a bad idea, but damn I was looking forward to one last great adventure with both of my children.
I would guess your daughter's OB would say no. The idea of going into labor somewhere over the middle of the ocean is just not a good thought.
Yeah, I did. I guess it will save me a little money now, but I'm going on record as saying that baby owes Grandpa some hunting time someday.
Her only chance of seeing Africa, is not worth the risk of the babies life... Just my humble opinion. It sounds like you already have it thought out though.
Is it her first child? Has she had any issues thus far? Where are you going? What does the PH say? Remember its not 9 months--its really 40 weeks. Consider bringing a Midwife or a Paramedic along(Meeeeee). For all those who immediately fall back on caution, Id simply point out that women having babies has been going on for a while. Theyve even been doing it in Afrika, not to mention that the first heart transplant was done in RSA. ....and how cool would it be for the baby to be able to claim she was born in Afrika--she could truthfully check the Afro-American block, heck just think of all the entitlements and school/job advantages that would bring..... 'justsayin'
Second child, no complications on the first one. Hunting with KMG for the first time, so not sure how hard Marius would hit me for the extra observer rate if she did birth early.
Well first births tend to be a little late, after that its up to the baby. No complications on the first is a good sign too. Where will you be? When I hunted the Easter Cape with Marius, I didnt feel like we were "too" far from civilization. Tell Marius Bush Dockter said he'd be happy to come along....
No. You don't bring a pregnant woman to Africa. 1.) There is no medical care to speak of to save the baby. 2.) There are diseases you cannot inoculate for or cannot take prophylactic meds for while pregnant. (Sleeping sickness and Malaria) 3.) Jarring of a safari cruiser is totally inappropriate for a pregnant woman. 4.) Sanitation of food and refrigeration is piss poor. You're eating meat that is delicious, but dangerously close to rancid. They don't immediately gut pile the animal and field dress it in Africa like we do in the states, it sits in the cruiser bloating for hours hot before it gets hung. (because the boys at camp want all the innards) Food poisoning of a pregnant woman is extremely dangerous. Do not, do not, do not bring a pregnant woman to Africa. This is a non-starter. Ask any physician that is aware of the world fact-book on health and clinic access in Africa.
Lots of intel & opinions on here.... all good. Long & short of it is, NO. 1) Too far along 2) too dangerous/risk vs. reward 3) Possible need for vaccines 4) Her discomfort while traveling & safari'ing 5) Safari company preparedness or desire to be responsible... lack there of. My wife traveled internationally why pregnant with both of our kids..... So it can be done. However, once you get to the 3rd trimester, unless you are a flight attendant or it's an emergency..... NO!
