Pregnancy may be a lovely experience, but generating new life is not without its hardships. Tips for Traveling While Pregnant Pregnancy alters your daily routine in a variety of ways, both positive and negative.
However, this does not imply that you should stay at home and avoid travel for the full nine months of your pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is generally safe to travel until 36 weeks pregnant, so get out there and see the globe.
These pointers can help you make your pre-baby travel safe, pleasant, and enjoyable.
Travel When You’re Most Comfortable
The ACOG recommends that pregnant women travel between 14 and 28 weeks, or throughout the middle of their pregnancy.
According to the health agency, the most prevalent pregnancy complications occur during the first and third trimesters. “During midpregnancy, your energy has returned, morning sickness usually is gone, and it is still easy to get around,” according to the American Cancer Society (ACOG).
If you have the flexibility to change your travel dates, avoiding early and late pregnancy travels may save you from an unpleasant experience.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Natalie Preddie, a travel writer and mother of two who blogs at NattyPOnline.com, recommends purchasing travel insurance with medical coverage before traveling to a country where your health insurance would not apply.
Preddie claims that while she was pregnant, she had to visit a hospital in Florida on a trip because she suspected her baby was not moving. She was relieved that her health insurance was recognized straight away, but she wonders about what might have occurred if she had to pay for a lengthy hospital stay or testing out of pocket.
Bring Your Medical Records with You
According to Lee Roosevelt, a nurse midwife at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, taking a copy of your pregnancy-related medical documents with you on your vacation can provide you peace of mind and speed any medical attention you may require.
“Offices can take a day or two to return a request for records, and if you need care quickly it means your team of providers [is] making decisions without knowing the details of your pregnancy,” she relates.
Be Proactive About Your Health
Roosevelt also suggests that when it comes to pregnancy, you should take precautions to avoid common health risks, whether you’re on vacation or at home. She encourages taking frequent walking breaks since “pregnant women are at higher risk for blood clots, and prolonged sitting increases that risk.”
You should attempt to get up and move for five to ten minutes every few hours, even if you’re on a flight.
Roosevelt also mentioned that purchasing and wearing compression socks during flight travel might help you prevent edema, blood clots, and other complications.
Stay Hydrated
In the same line as being attentive of your health and wellness, drink enough of water to keep hydrated. Roosevelt warns that dehydration might make you feel ill and increase the chances of having pre-term contractions.
Plan to pack your own refillable water bottle while traveling so that you can keep hydrated no matter where you are, whether on the road or in the air.
Pack Healthy Snacks
Airports do not usually have many healthy food alternatives, and those that do tend to be pricey. To save money and avoid eating empty calories, carry your own healthy snacks.
If possible, bring healthful snacks such as dried fruits and veggies. When you’re feeling sick or poorly, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests eating whole grain toast or crackers; nutritious crackers should be easy to pack in your suitcase and carry along.
Bring Sanitizing Wipes and Gel
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if you’re going on a cruise, you should take precautions to avoid norovirus, a group of viruses that may spread rapidly and cause severe nausea and vomiting.
The easiest approach to avoid it is to wash your hands often, although antibacterial hand gel can also help you stay germ-free. Meanwhile, have disinfectant wipes on hand to clean airline tray tables and arm rests.
The Canadian government also recommended that pregnant women wash their hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food. Following these guidelines is especially vital if you’re at a crowded airport or eating on a germ-infested airline.
Keep Car Rides Short
If you’re planning a road trip or need to drive a long distance to get to your destination, it’s a good idea to spread out your journey across many days. That way, you’ll only have to sit for brief periods of time, rather than extended lengths, which can lead to edema, blood clots, and other pregnancy issues.
The ACOG also recommends that you secure your seatbelt low on your hipbones, beneath your belly, and “place the shoulder belt off to the side of your belly and across the center of your chest.”
Make regular pauses to stretch your legs; your automobile travel will be more pleasurable and safe for both you and the baby.
Book an Aisle Seat When You Fly
If you want to fly while pregnant, reserve an aisle seat ahead of time, even if it means paying more. Having an aisle seat will make it simpler for you to get up and walk about, as well as to use the restroom during the several potty breaks you will undoubtedly require.
If you can, spend (or use points) in business class to have some additional space.
Be Choosy About Your Destination
Consider seasonal weather variations and how they may affect your pregnancy. If you’re planning a beach vacation in the middle of July and thinking of Naples in southern Florida, for example, you should be aware that daily high temperatures typically exceed 89 degrees and humidity levels frequently dip into the “oppressive” or “miserable” category throughout the summer. Doing your research may lead you to a better-weather destination, such as a beach with lesser humidity, such as Virginia Beach, Virginia or Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
When it comes to travel planning, Google is your buddy. Make sure you know what the weather will be like wherever you want to vacation.
Pack a First-Aid Kit
Nothing is worse than spending hours on transport without supplies for headaches, heartburn, and other pregnancy-related illnesses. If you are prone to feeling ill at home or when traveling, you might consider bringing a modest first-aid kit.
While your kit may contain whatever you wish, consider including medication for heartburn, bloating, gas, and nausea, or whatever is bothering you the most.
Choose the Right Luggage
Finally, remember to carry luggage that is easy to transport from place to place. Spinner-style baggage with wheels is normally the simplest to move, and you should try to pack little (within reason) so you don’t have to haul about all of your clothing and shoes.
Don’t hesitate to check your bags, especially if you have a long stopover. The less you have to take about, the smoother your journey will be.