It doesn’t matter if it is a baby moon on warm seashore or a lazy holiday at a relatives’ place, pregnant women would love to enjoy at least one trip during their journey of 9 months towards motherhood. Generally, if you have no complications during your pregnancy then you can travel a lot throughout the gestation period.
Pregnant women can always travel to their work and enjoy several trips if they get the go ahead from their doctor about the safety of theirs as well as the baby. As traveling can rejuvenate and offer relief from the monotonous work life, most of the pregnant women love to travel. However, if you are pregnant then you must understand that traveling during your pregnancy is much different than your earlier trips.
You must plan well ahead to stay relaxed without any concerns while traveling, such as using the washroom every 30 minutes, swelling in the feet to early labor. We help you to stay aware of the best 5 safety tips that would help you have a safe and comfortable trip during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a very delicate time that calls in the need for extra care for the mothers-to-be. In generally, if your pregnancy is normal without any complications or previous history of abortions, it is pretty safe to travel during the entire period. However, it is always advisable to wait for a green signal from your doctor before allowing yourself that much wanted break.
10 Safety Tips For Traveling During Pregnancy
Following the safety tips mentioned below would help you enjoy a hassle free, pain free and relaxing trip right from your first trimester to third trimester.
1. Have perfect trip timing and pack sensibly
Generally, your first trimester will be filled with morning sickness and nausea. During the third semester, your belly is going to get bigger, making trips uncomfortable. So, it is wise to time your trip during your second trimester. It is true that pregnancy tends to be different from one female to another, but most of the moms to be will agree that it is easy to travel while they are in the second trimester before the arrival of their baby.
Make sure your luggage has large sized loose fitting dresses and slip-ons that are one size bigger to accommodate your feet when it swells due to the travel. Make sure you pack a light luggage, as it will save you the trouble of dragging a big sized suitcase and avoid the task of dealing with a heavy load of laundry.
2. Choice of a travel destination
Make sure that you research a lot about the destination you are planning to visit, to check if there is any water borne or food borne diseases. Also check if there was an outbreak of diseases in the recent months. Ask about the air quality and availability of drinking water there. It is always best to avoid those places that require you to get travel vaccinations. Make sure that you check the washroom condition of the hotel you are staying to take care of your hygiene.
3. Stock up healthy fluids and healthy snacks
It doesn’t matter if you are traveling by flight, train or car, as you must always have a few bottles of healthy drinks, fresh juices, water and healthy snacks to munch on at a regular basis. When you are carrying a baby, it is very natural for you to feel thirsty, hungry and tired when you are traveling. So, plan your travel luggage in such a way that you have a bag full of healthy beverages and eatables to travel without fatigue and dehydration.
Avoid the fizzy drinks, sugar loaded artificial juices and snacks that are deep fried in oil, such as chips, crisps etc. Also remember that when you are sipping on the drinks, regularly, you will have the urge to use the washroom often.
4. Have an updated medical portfolio
Doctors always recommend their pregnant patients to have an updated medical portfolio while they are traveling. Having your medical profile ready would be handy when you have an emergency situation while traveling, as the emergency doctors in that area would be able to know about your current trimester, underlying medical conditions and allergies, if any before treating you.
Always make sure you have the prenatal reports, latest ultrasound copy and the prescription when traveling. Also have a medical kit containing your prenatal vitamins, anti nausea pills and other medicines. It is very essential to keep the number of your doctor handy, in case some emergency strikes.
5. Take breaks and move a bit
You will feel very tired than usual when you are traveling a long distance. So, take small breaks and keep your feet propped to prevent swelling. Make sure to take breaks regularly when you are traveling by road to make sure that you have a stress free and comfortable trip.
When you are traveling during pregnancy, you are facing the risk of blood clots while you sit for a long time. You will feel better when you move around and stretch a bit. While on a road trip, try to walk in the shade of the trees, around your resting place and stretch in the car seat. If you are traveling by air, then you can walk in the aircraft to improve the blood circulation levels in your body.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Never wear those snugly fitting jeans and tee while you travel. Opt for loose fitting, cotton clothing that would give you and your tummy enough space to breathe and relax.
7. Medicines
Make sure that you carry all your multivitamins and minerals doctor has prescribed you. But carrying along is not sufficient. Make sure to take the medicine at proper time to avoid unwanted complications.
8. Stretch Adequately
Stretch yourself at regular intervals to prevent fluid retention in your ankles. If you are travelling by road, take adequate stops and take a stroll before resuming your journey.
9. Maintain Your Hygiene
Always use a clean toilet whenever you want. Never use a toilet if it is soiled.
10. Take It Easy
Be patient with yourself and others. Avoid crowded stairs and passages. Wait patiently till there is enough space for you to move slowly. There is no need to rush.
Precautions for Traveling While Pregnant
Trimester Wise Traveling While Pregnant
Doctors, normally, wait for 6 to 8 weeks before they confirm the pregnancy. This means the 2 months of the first trimester is quite often spent anxiously waiting for the confirmation scan. This anxiety worsens when morning sickness accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and headaches launch their attack. Your body is under the constant control of hormones that keep swinging, making your body pretty delicate and susceptible to miscarriages.
Hence, pregnant women are quite often advised to refrain from air travel and traveling by road. However, if you still want to travel during this phase, take a guarantee from your gynecologist.
Once you complete 12 to 14 weeks, doctors generally wave the green flag for traveling. Your hormones slowly start finding their destination, stabilizing the energy levels and alleviating nausea.
Move on to the third trimester! You will now be taking care of the growing tummy. As the fetus grows, the mom-to-be finds it really tough to sit continuously for hours, thereby putting an end to travel by road. You can choose to travel by train. Certain airlines do not accommodate women who are 35+ weeks pregnant as there are chances of premature delivery.
Who must avoid travel during pregnancy?
Doctors would advise you against traveling if you face some risks during pregnancy. You must avoid traveling if you have the following conditions.
- History with miscarriages
- Gestational diabetes
- Multiple pregnancies with twins, triplets etc.
- Ectopic pregnancy / Pre-eclampsia
- Chronic Hypertension / High BP
- Incompetent cervix
- Preterm labor history
- Placental issues (placenta praevia, placental abruption etc.)
- Spotting frequently or bleeding while pregnant
- Getting pregnant over 35 years.
Points to remember
Pregnant women must remember the following points while traveling.
- Do not climb on a moving train or bus
- Do not forget to wear seat belts while traveling
- Do not forget to take your doctor’s contact number while traveling, as you can make ask his advice, if you are experiencing any issue
- Take slow and steady steps when walking on the stairs and roads
These safety tips will help you pack your luggage sensibly, have enough to drink and eat healthy, have up to date medical reports, take small breaks and have a memorable trip while you are pregnant.
