Travel and Pregnancy
Don’t cancel those up-coming vacation plans just yet! Pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to put an end to travel altogether. It just means there are some simple guidelines to follow and precautions you should consider to help you and your unborn baby stay as safe as possible during your trip. Not to mention keep you the most comfortable! Always discuss travel plans with your doctor well before departure and ask him/her about any additional tips that might be helpful to you.
Traveling by Air
Don’t fly during your ninth month of pregnancy. Many airlines allow pregnant women to fly through their eighth month (until 36 weeks) as long as there are no pregnancy complications and you‘re not carrying multiples. The best time to travel is during the second trimester.
Right before boarding the plane, use the restroom. In fact, take advantage of any and every clean restroom you have access to.
Make sure you reserve an aisle seat for frequent bathroom visits to make it easier on you and other passengers. Also, seats near the front of the plane tend to make for a smoother flight, although bumpy rides won‘t bring on early labor.
Hold on when making your way to the bathroom to avoid loosing your balance during potential turbulence.
Move around and stretch during your flight. Even when you’re stuck in your seat, you can wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles. This will help get your blood circulating once again, decreasing the risk of clots (and varicose veins) developing in your legs. “Deep Vein Thrombosis” (DVT) or “Thromboembolic Disease” is serious and possibly fatal.
Increase your fluid intake to keep well-hydrated. Have a water bottle handy at all times and keep sipping on it during your flight. This, in addition to stretching and moving, will greatly reduce blood clot risks. Dehydration can also lead to preterm labor. Drink up!
Traveling by Land
Do your homework before leaving. Know where the major hospitals are located and have them clearly marked on your map, just in case. This is particularly important during your third trimester.
Wear your seatbelt in a vehicle, both the lap and shoulder belt, even if the car has an airbag. Wear the lap belt low on your hipbones (always below your growing belly) and snugly. Don’t wear the shoulder belt under your arm, but place it across the center of your chest.
Push your seat back as far back from the dashboard (and airbag) as you possibly can when in a vehicle, but never turn the airbag off just because you are pregnant. The benefits outweigh the risks of having it in working order.
Limit the amount of hours your on the road to 5-6 hours, if possible. Being cooped up in a vehicle for long periods of time can be incredibly tiring, even when you’re not expecting.
If traveling by train or bus, try to remain seated until it stops, if at all possible. If you must get up while in motion, hold onto the railings or seats at all times when walking around to avoid injury from sudden stops or bumps.
Take advantage of rest areas for short 5-10 minute walks or at least to get out and stretch to keep your blood circulating properly and to keep your legs from cramping up. Don’t forget those comfortable shoes!
Bring a pillow (or two) along to make travel more comfortable and wear loose, stretchy clothes for additional comfort along the way.
Traveling by Sea
Most cruise lines have a much earlier cut-off period for pregnant travelers than airlines do. Usually, you can travel through 26 weeks, given there are no pregnancy complications. Some cruise lines won’t allow pregnant women to board past 24 weeks. Ask about restrictions (and any documentation you will need) before making reservations.
Keep in mind that the motion of sea travel may very well upset your stomach during pregnancy, especially if this is your first time.
Carry a gallon zip-lock bag in your purse/bag for quick access; just in case you get nauseated during your voyage.
Pack some light snacks such as crackers and juice to help prevent nausea.
Before taking any seasickness medications, get your doctor’s approval. Some may cause harm to your unborn baby. Seasickness bands are a great alternative to medication.
Enquire well ahead of time about the presence of a healthcare provider (doctor or nurse) on the ship. If there won’t be one on board, postponing or canceling the trip may be the best thing. Many smaller ships don’t have medical personnel on board.
Make sure the ship you’re traveling on has access to modern medical facilities where it docks.
If possible, opt for a larger ship. They tend to be the most stable which may help tremendously with warding off seasickness. Plus, you’re less likely to lose your balance from all the movement.
Additional Tips
Be sure to avoid certain activities during your trip completely which could put both you and your baby at risk such as: skiing, snowboarding, sledding, waterskiing, surfing, scuba diving, horseback riding, bicycling, amusement park rides, water park slides, running (unless your doctor okays it), rock climbing and ice skating. Also, avoid activities that raise your core body temperature too high such as hot tubs and saunas. Choose safer activities during your pregnancy; activities that put you at less risk of falling and causing trauma to your abdomen.
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