With the right precautions and knowledge on when to travel, vaccines, and travel insurance, most women may travel comfortably far into their pregnancies without experiencing any complications or complications.
Make sure you know where the nearest medical facilities are before you go, just in case. Make sure you have access to all of your prenatal medical documents, which are frequently referred to as “handheld notes,” on hand just in case you’re asked by a doctor.
Travel insurance should cover you in the event that you go into labour while on vacation, as well as the expense of altering the date of your return journey if you need to do so.
When to travel in pregnancy
Because of morning sickness and exhaustion, several expectant mothers choose not to travel during the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy. Even if you’re not travelling, the chance of miscarriage increases throughout the first three months of pregnancy.
An exhausting and unpleasant experience might be travelling during the latter trimester of your pregnancy. Women who are in the middle of their pregnancies feel that this is the perfect time to travel or go on vacation.
Sarah Reynolds, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, notes that many women are concerned about travelling while pregnant. “However, as long as you follow the appropriate measures and your pregnancy is free of difficulties, there’s no reason why you can’t travel securely.”
Here are some general tips to ensure you and your baby stay healthy during your travels
Flying in pregnancy
Flying is safe for you and your baby, but talk to your midwife or doctor if you have any health concerns or challenges with your pregnancy before you go.
Some airlines refuse to allow pregnant women to travel at the end of their pregnancy because of the increased risk of going into labour. Contact the airline to see if they have any rules on this.
Airlines may request a note from your doctor or midwife stating your due date and that you are not at risk of difficulties beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy.
There is a slight risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while travelling for more than four hours. If you’re flying, make sure you’re well-hydrated and get some exercise around once every 30 minutes or so. Gradual compression stockings may be purchased from the drugstore to lessen leg edoema.
Travel vaccinations when you’re pregnant
Pregnancy is not advised for the majority of vaccinations that involve live bacteria or viruses due to the possibility of harming the unborn child.
If the danger of infection surpasses the risk of live immunisation, certain live vaccinations may be considered during pregnancy.
Pregnant women may safely get non-live (inactivated) vaccinations.
Traveling to regions where inoculation is required? Get your shots, advises Dr Reynolds. There is a significantly greater danger of contracting an infectious illness than there is in being immunised.
Specific travel immunizations should be discussed with your primary care physician or midwife.
Ask your doctor whether anti-malaria medications are safe to use during pregnancy.
Car travel in pregnancy
Long automobile trips should be avoided if you’re expecting. However, if you can’t avoid it, make sure you stop often and get out of the vehicle to get some fresh air and exercise.
When you’re not driving, you may also perform simple exercises like flexing and twisting your feet and wiggling your toes while you’re in the vehicle. This will keep your legs moving and alleviate any pain or stiffness they may be experiencing. In addition to preventing blood clots, wearing compression stockings while driving for more than four hours may assist boost blood flow in your legs.
Pregnancy-related fatigue and dizziness are frequent, so staying hydrated and eating natural, energy-boosting foods like fruit and nuts are vital when driving.
Don’t forget to keep the car’s air moving, and wear your seatbelt across your pelvis, not over it, so that you don’t suffocate your baby bump.
Pregnant women are often injured in car accidents. Don’t take a lengthy journey on your alone if you can avoid it. Alternatively, you and your friend might split the driving.
Sailing in pregnancy
Ferry firms have their own rules and may refuse to transport pregnant women who are overdue for a delivery (often beyond 32 weeks). You should check the policy of the boat operator before booking.
Find out whether there are onboard facilities to cope with pregnancy and medical services available at the docking ports before embarking on a long-distance cruise.
Food and drink abroad in pregnancy
To prevent stomach problems and traveler’s diarrhoea, take precautions against food and waterborne illnesses. Pregnant women should avoid using some anti-diarrheal medications since they might cause stomach distress or traveler’s diarrhoea.
Always make sure that the water coming from your faucet is safe to drink. Drink bottled water if you’re unsure. Even if you don’t feel like eating, maintain hydrated and eat for your baby’s sake even if you don’t feel like it.
People also search
Is flying harmful during pregnancy?
Is it safe to fly when pregnant? Pregnant women who are in good health and are able to fly sometimes are nearly always safe. Pregnant women may often travel domestically with most airlines up to 36 weeks into their pregnancy. If you need it, your ob-gyn or other health care provider may give documentation of your expected due date.
Why pregnant ladies should not travel in flight?
Blood may pool in your legs if you sit in the same position for a lengthy period of time when pregnant. Blood clots are an increased danger as a result. Low humidity and recirculated cabin air heighten the danger.
What month of pregnancy should you stop flying?
Fetching beyond 36 weeks is not recommended for pregnant ladies. There is a lesser chance of an obstetric emergency while flying during the second trimester due of the milder symptoms of pregnancy.
