Travel During Pregnancy – What you Need to Know

Do you need to plan an important trip, and are confused about whether or not to make the journey while you are pregnant? There are many theories regarding this issue, and while many old wives’ tales might pronounce to travel during pregnancy to be completely out of the question, it is not completely so. You can enjoy a safe journey if you take certain precautions and keep your comfort the first priority throughout the journey.

Your travel plan might include a bus trip, sea journey, car ride or traveling by air. For each type of traveling, you will need to pay attention to certain important factors, so that you have a safe journey with minimum discomfort and hassle during your pregnancy.

Important Points to Consider While Traveling In Pregnancy

There are some very crucial points you need to consider before making a travel plan in your pregnancy. These include,

Getting Clearance from Your Doctor

Ask your doctor for permission to travel during pregnancy. While, in most cases, traveling is not an issue, your doctor might restrict you from the activity if you are at a high risk of preterm labor or your pregnancy is at risk in any way from the travel. That is why it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before you embark on a journey by any mode of transportation.

Pregnancy Trimester and Ideal Time for Traveling

The ideal time for traveling also depends upon the stage of your pregnancy. If you are in the 14 to 28 weeks of your pregnancy, it means that you will probably have a more comfortable traveling experience, since you will be past the initial troubling and tiring experience of the first trimester. Also, the risks of any miscarriage or any preterm labor is at an all-time low at this time of your pregnancy, which makes it safe for traveling.

What Factors To Keep In Mind While Traveling

If your doctor has given you the all clear green signal, that means that you still have to keep a few things in mind, while choosing your mode of transportation and deciding on how best to make a safe and comfortable journey.

Here are a few things to keep in mind

Traveling Through Buses

If you are planning a small 3 to 4 hour trip by the bus, then it is acceptable, provided you take regular steps to move around and ensure proper circulation of blood throughout your body.

Also, it is important to note that buses have narrow aisles and small restrooms. Make sure that you get a comfortable seat and hold on to any railings or any other bus structure to help you maintain your balance as the bus moves. Also, make sure that you don’t move around while the bus moves. Traveling by bus is quite a challenging transportation choice.

Trip by Car

If you want to plan a small trip by car, make sure that you make regular stops on the way, so that you won’t get cramped and uncomfortable. It is important to keep the body circulation in flow, and avoid discomfort throughout the journey.

Make sure you buckle up, and use both shoulder and lap belts for the ideal protection. The air bags should be turned on for maximum security of you and your baby.

Journey by Sea

While traveling by sea is safe for you during pregnancy, the rocking motion of the boat might intensify the feeling of nausea or morning sickness. So, make sure that the cruise has a healthcare professional onboard, in case you need any help or if any pregnancy complications arise.

Before you opt for any sea sickness medication, make sure that it is approved for pregnant women, and is absolutely safe for the developing baby. You can also review your sea route and mark your port of calls, to determine if there is access to any of the medical facilities you may need if the need should arise.

Ride by Train

A journey by train might be more comfortable as you have navigable space, and therefore, more area to walk around and improve your body circulation. This means that you won’t get cramped and be uncomfortable, or be tired out through the journey.

Yet, the restrooms in trains are quite small, which means that it is best that you hold on to something to maintain your balance at all times.

Air Travel

One of the most preferred modes of travel, in some cases, is by plane. Air travel in most pregnancy cases is completely safe, while it is prudent to ask your doctor before you book a ticket for the journey.

Many airlines will ask you about your pregnancy status. Most of them have a set of guidelines for pregnant women, which might be subject to variation per destination and carrier. You can even travel in your eighth month of pregnancy if the airline allows it. In the ninth month, air travel is only allowed if you have the permission from your healthcare provider.

Keep in mind that in most airline carriers, the aisles are narrow and the restrooms are quite small. This means that it would be quite challenging for you to walk down those aisles and try to reach the restroom. Moreover, with the potential risk of turbulence on the aircraft, you should hold on to the back of the seats while you navigate down an aisle.

It would be a good idea to choose an aisle seat, which would make it easier for you to get up to walk to the restroom or ensure proper circulation throughout your body as you use your limbs.

It is best to buckle up your seat belt, throughout the trip, and properly fasten the lap belt just under your abdomen for complete safety and comfort. Also, make sure that you drink plenty of fluids throughout the flight, as the low humidity in the cabin can leave you dehydrated.

It is recommended for pregnant women to travel only with major airlines which offer pressurized cabins. It is best to avoid travel through small private planes. If there is a need to travel on small planes, make sure that you avoid all altitudes above 7,000 feet.

If you are planning international travel, make sure that you have the doctor’s permission, the necessary medical vaccinations if needed, and exercise special care about what you eat or drink to avoid any kind of problems.

Enjoy happy traveling during pregnancy, by exercising the required precautions and recommended care.