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For most pregnant women, as they get further into their pregnancy even the simplest thing can become a project. This also includes traveling. If is very important at every stage of the pregnancy that if you wish to travel by train, plane or even car to talk to your doctor and get their opinions. You may not think that traveling while pregnant is a big deal but it can be because you are carrying a child and your body requires certain things while you are pregnant. We can offer tips on traveling while pregnant.
One very important thing is to always care water with you. Pregnant women need to drink a lot to keep hydrated. Sometimes when we travel we don’t remember that but always carry extra water or juice with you. If you are going on long trips, make sure that you always have a spare water bottle just in case. This next tip goes hand in hand for pregnant women. Make sure that you know where the bathrooms are. Depending on stage of pregnancy you are at, you will have more pressure on your bladder which will make you go more often.
Women who are pregnant also need to eat more often than others. Carry snacks with you, especially if you are in the first trimester. Morning sickness can occur at any time during the day or night, so keep crackers on hand or maybe gum to help fight off the nausea. You need to keep your blood sugar at a certain level during pregnancy and even if you are traveling an hour or less, it is important to keep up your strength.
No matter what mode of transportation that you are using, it is very important to be able to stretch. Moving around will help you from getting stiff and cramping. If you are going on a long trip moving around every other hour is very important.
If you are taking a long trip it is always a good idea to carry a copy of your prenatal medical records. You never know and you want to be prepared at all times. Most pregnant women don’t think about carrying around their records but if you think about it, it really is a good idea. Keep on hand your doctor’s information at all times as well.
Before going on a trip it is very important to visit your doctor and get a check up to make sure that everything is ok. Find out where the local hospital is near your destination. Things happen on trips and you want to be more safe than sorry. Being prepared is not a sign that anything is going to happen but just as a safety precaution. Your body is more susceptible because your immune system is not as strong.
Also, when traveling, make sure that you are dressing comfortably. Don’t wear tight or fitted clothes; try to wear loose fitting clothing. If you are traveling in the summer wear light clothes and in the winter dress in layers so you can adjust your body’s temperature to the temperature in the car, train or plane.
Traveling can be very stressful and more so for pregnant women because they are more uncomfortable and in certain stages they are more fatigued than women who are not pregnant. Try to practice de stressing exercises like breathing and maybe by bringing a book or magazine. Try not to travel alone; having someone with you can relieve a lot of stress.
Most women pregnant or not don’t like special treatment. But in the case of travel take advantage of it. If you are traveling by train or plane let them know that you are pregnant when buying the ticket and use any all resources available to you. Don’t think of it as getting ahead of everyone but as a healthy way to travel.
If you are traveling by plane or train you get to get on board before everyone and get your luggage first. There is less pushing and shoving from everyone trying to get on a train all at once. By using these hospitalities that are offered you will experience less stress of traveling. It can’t hurt and you will feel much more relaxed.
Before traveling as we have mentioned it is a good idea to consult a doctor. At certain stages of pregnancy it simply just is not advisable to travel by any means for a long period of time. Listen to the doctor, if you have a job that requires you to travel and the doctor advises against it, have them write a note to your employer. Don’t risk the baby in order to make the boss happy, it just is not worth it. If you do get the green light from the doctor and you are traveling out of the country, find out what the requirements are for pregnant women. Follow these rules; never take any unnecessary risks where the baby is concerned. Normally, a doctor will give the Ok to travel within the first 2 trimesters with no problems; airlines will also allow that with no problems. But pregnancy in the third trimester, airlines may have a restriction of their own. So make sure that you check that out.
In conclusion, traveling may not be harmful to you at your stage of pregnancy but follow these guidelines and you can make traveling a lot more relaxing.
1- Don’t stress out
2- Maintain your energy level
3- Keep snacks and water available to you
4- Stretch every hour to avoid cramping
5- Dress comfortably
6- Know where the bathrooms are
7- Keep your medical records with you and know where there is a local hospital, close to your destination.
8- Make sure you visit your doctor before making any plans
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and always avoid stress 