Travel During Pregnancy - A Complete Guide

Is Traveling During Pregnancy Safe?

If the pregnant woman is having a healthy pregnancy, it is usually safe to travel until close to their due date. But talk to the health care provider before planning any trip. Doctors may suggest limiting travel during a health condition, such as heart disease or any pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, respiratory disease, or severe anemia. Even if the pregnancy is healthy, talk to the doctor about the travel plans and rearrange the prenatal care visits if necessary so that the prenatal visits are not missed while traveling.

When Is the Best Time to Travel During Pregnancy?

Many pregnant women like to travel during the second trimester of pregnancy. During this period, they may not have as much morning sickness and have a low risk of complications compared to the beginning of the pregnancy. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is high. During the third trimester, the belly will get bigger, so moving around may not be comfortable. While nearing the due date, walking, sitting, and even sleeping can be very uncomfortable. During the second trimester, the chance of having a pregnancy emergency, such as miscarriage or preterm labor, is significantly less. When a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is referred to as a miscarriage. When delivery happens too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is referred to as preterm labor.

Is Car Travel Safe During Pregnancy?

If women are pregnant and planning to car travel, following these steps will be helpful:

• Wear a seatbelt. Fasten the lap sash across the lap and under the bump, and fit the shoulder sash above the bump and between the breasts.

• Avoid wearing the lap sash across the bump because a sudden jolt could cause the placenta to separate from the uterus.

• Take frequent breaks to stretch one’s legs and visit the toilet.

• Try not to drive more than five to six hours per day. If possible, break the trip into several days with shorter drive times each day.

• When sitting in the front passenger seat, move the seat well back from the dashboard to avoid airbag impact in case of a collision.

• If pregnant and planning to drive, adjust the seat as far as possible from the steering wheel while still going safely and comfortably.

• If any car accident happens, however minor, consult a doctor.

• If contractions, pain, or bleeding occur after an accident, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

How to Prepare for Air Travel During Pregnancy?

Before Air Travel:

• Discuss any pregnancy risks with the doctor. For example, pregnant women with heart disease, gestational diabetes, or multiple pregnancies are generally not advised to fly.

• Air travel in the last six weeks of pregnancy could trigger premature labor.

• Some airlines will not allow women over 35 weeks to fly or require a doctor's note, so check with the airline.

• Try to book an aisle seat so going to the toilet will be a bit easier, or check for a bulkhead seat or a seat near an exit for extra legroom.

Guidelines During the Flight Journey:

• Wear a seatbelt under the bump and across the lap.

• Stretch and move the legs regularly while seated. If possible, wear support stockings for the flight duration because a pregnant woman's circulation is already under strain, and the lower cabin pressure inside a plane can increase the risk of blood clots. Seek the help of an obstetrician before buying one.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid the risk of dehydration.

• If the flight is smooth, try to walk inside the aisles every half an hour, and if the flight has turbulence, stay in the seat, but try flexing and extending the ankles frequently.

• If symptoms like shortness of breath or light-headedness are felt, ask one of the flight attendants to provide breathing oxygen.

• Do not drink carbonated drinks, such as soda, and do not eat foods like beans that may cause gas. Gas in the belly can expand at high altitudes, which can be uncomfortable.

• Fasten the seat belt while sitting on the seat. This can prevent one from getting hurt in case of turbulence.

How to Prepare While Traveling on a Ship?

If pregnant and planning to travel on a ship, such as a cruise vacation, follow these tips:

• Call the cruise line to confirm that a healthcare provider will be on the ship anytime. Confirm whether medical service is available at each port stop.

• Ask the health care provider if it is possible to take medicine to help prevent or treat seasickness.

Which Travel Vaccines Are Recommended for Expectant Mothers?

Due to worries that they could affect the unborn child, the majority of vaccinations containing live germs or viruses are not advised to be administered to expectant mothers. If there is a greater risk of illness than receiving a live vaccination, some live travel vaccinations could still be considered during pregnancy. Consult a doctor or midwife for information on recommended travel immunizations. It is safe to use inactivated (non-living) vaccinations during pregnancy.

What Not to Eat and Drink While Traveling During Pregnancy to Avoid Complications?

Be cautious in drinking and eating during traveling to avoid food poisoning, as certain infections, stomach upsets, and diarrhea can harm the baby or cause miscarriage.

Things to remember while traveling,

• Avoid seafood, undercooked meats, food buffets, soft cheeses, and pates while traveling.

• Wash hands thoroughly with water and soap after going to the toilet, before preparing food, and before eating.

• Eat peeled fruit. Avoid salads and leafy greens, as they could have been washed in contaminated water.

• Drink only bottled water if one is doubtful about the water supply.

• Use bottled water when brushing one’s teeth.

• Make sure that the eating utensils are thoroughly dried after washing.

• Avoid ice.

• If bottled water is unavailable and only local water is available, boil it thoroughly for five minutes before using it.

• If one feels sick during traveling, keep hydrated and continue eating for the baby's health, even if one is not hungry.

• Do not self-medicate; instead, consult a doctor as soon as possible because some drugs for treating stomach upsets and diarrhea are unsuitable during pregnancy.

Conclusion:

Traveling during pregnancy depends upon the health condition of the pregnant woman. The second trimester of pregnancy is considered an ideal period for traveling as the complications are comparatively less. Always consult a health care provider and take their advice before long-distance travel