As a pregnant woman, you will enjoy many things, such as all the mollycoddling, exclusive attention, eating binges, and of course, the sound of a new heartbeat. However, the one thing that most, if not all, women stop enjoying during this time is traveling.
Travelling, alone and long-distance, in particular, makes some, especially those in their third trimester, nervous enough to go into early labor. For this reason alone, many airlines will turn you away. But then there are always other ways to travel, such as by trains, or in vehicles by road.
Tips for Traveling Safely During Pregnancy
#Plan Your Journey
While deciding, choose one which ensures you ample legroom to move about comfortably. More importantly, irrespective of which mode you choose, travel only, and only, if you must. In which case, given your delicate situation, you simply must think ahead and plan well.
#Consult Your Doctor
Before embarking on any trip, remember to see your doctor both before and after the trip, just to be sure your baby is growing and developing as it should. Also, make room in your luggage for your medical records and tests, or at least the latest ones. Remember to carry all your medicines and loads of water and juices to drown them with. And just for the record, guzzling tea and coffee doesn’t count, and when taken in excess, they can have the opposite effect.
#Never Travel Hungry
Pack yourself small meals in color-coded boxes so you remember where which snack is. Keep them handy, like in your purse or handbag, so you don’t need to strain to get them. And since it doesn’t take long for morning sickness to turn into motion sickness, always carry some dry biscuits or just some fizzy drink. A new magazine, even your favorite book or music, could distract you from these queasy feelings, which would leave you even more restless and uneasy if ignored.
#Dress Appropriately
While getting ready, wear loose and comfortable maternity clothing from brands like Wobbly Walk. For instance, you can try a traditional maternity Kurti with a pair of stretchy cotton maternity palazzo pants. Likewise, when traveling in the summers, wear some light cotton pregnancy clothes that let your body breathe easily. If traveling in winter, bundle yourself head to toe, as even a minor infection can totally assault your already taxed immune system. Most importantly, never wear high heels or uncomfortable shoes. Take out your favorite slippers and travel in them if you have to.
#Use Public Toilets Cautiously
Also, be very cautious about using public toilets, as the more pregnant you are, the more you will want to pee. Since your weak immune system can do with all the help it gets, it is best to carry your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and liquid soap. After every visit to the toilet, rinse your hands very well, and sanitize them to be on the safe side. You can also invest in some adult diapers if you don’t find them silly.
#Ask for Help
And lastly, resist the urge to lift and shift luggage on your own as you never know; a slight heave here, a little shove there could actually trigger your labor. Remember that you are as precious as the cargo you carry and deserve to be helped, so simply ask for it.
When is the Best Time to Travel During Pregnancy?
Once you get pregnant, you will have advice pouring in from all relatives and friends. Each one will tell you the best way to deal with your pregnancy. But it is best to consult your doctor and make decisions accordingly. Lots of people may tell you that traveling is not advisable if you are pregnant.
Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you cannot travel. If you have a few complications, your doctor may advise you to postpone travel plans. However, if everything is going well and you and your baby are healthy, it is absolutely safe to travel. There are only a few months during your pregnancy that you must not travel.
#Avoid Traveling in the First Trimester
If you do decide to plan a trip, avoid doing so in the first trimester. The second month is the most dangerous month to travel, and it is in this month that most miscarriages happen. Let your body get used to the various hormonal changes that are taking place before you decide to plan a holiday.
#Prefer Traveling in the Second Trimester
If all is well after the second month, then go ahead and have a good time. By the time you complete your first trimester, your feeling of nausea and morning sickness will also become less, and you will be more comfortable with your body and with the baby in your womb.
Even though you can travel, it is best to avoid traveling by road, especially if the roads are bad. This can cause unnecessary complications in your pregnancy. Air travel is the best and safest way to travel. Go by car only if the distance is short and the road is not bumpy.
#Avoid Traveling in the Last Trimester
It is also not advisable to travel once you enter into the eighth month. At this time, there is a possibility of your baby being born prematurely. Traveling by air during the eighth month can actually cause contractions and can make you begin labor. Your doctor, too, would advise you against taking a trip in the eighth and ninth months of your pregnancy.
Visit the gynecologist a few days before leaving for your holiday to understand what needs to be done in case of a problem. Ask them what medication and reports you should carry with you during your travel. So do go ahead and enjoy your holiday.
FAQ on Traveling During Pregnancy
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on traveling during pregnancy:
When during pregnancy should you stop traveling?
Even if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you should avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth.
Why is traveling not allowed during pregnancy?
Traveling during pregnancy is not allowed due to the higher risk of complications. While the risk of miscarriage is higher in the first trimester, traveling in the subsequent months can be tiring and uncomfortable.
Is travel safe during pregnancy?
If you are a healthy pregnant woman, occasional traveling is almost always safe. However, it is better to avoid traveling during pregnancy to eliminate the risk of complications.
What is the best time to travel during pregnancy?
The best and safest time to travel is during the second trimester, provided you aren’t experiencing any complications.
