Unexpected preterm delivery in tourists: implications for long-distance travel during pregnancy

From 1984 to 1989, 33 pregnant tourists were delivered of preterm infants requiring neonatal intensive care. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all high-risk infants delivered to tourists during this period and compared these results with those of a previous review from 1978 to 1984. Thirty-seven infants were admitted during this later period compared with 27 previously observed. Of recent mothers, 30% had identifiable high-risk factors compared with 50% previously studied. Infant demographic and outcome data were similar, except for fewer recent intraventricular hemorrhages. Outcome was adversely affected by maternal high-risk factors during both periods. Pregnant tourists, many with identifiable high-risk factors, continue to be delivered of premature infants who may require prolonged hospitalization. Because of this, and the potential for serious psychosocial and economic consequences of preterm delivery, we recommend that long-distance travel in pregnant women with identified high-risk factors be restricted about the time when viability of the fetus is possible.