Travel is generally considered safe for most pregnant women. Remember to consult with your health care professional before making any plans. As long as there are no complications, you can travel throughout most of your pregnancy. Many women find the second trimester is the best time to plan a get away. The risk of miscarriage and morning sickness has passed. In addition, the discomforts of the third trimester haven’t started yet. Most women feel their best in this middle trimester, which makes travel much more pleasant. Here are some general guidelines for pregnant women when traveling
Schedule a prenatal visit prior to your trip. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that everything looks good with the baby. If you are going far from home, it’s a good idea to bring a copy of your medical records. Talk to your doctor about any precautions that you should take, such as vaccines needed for foreign travel. If you are traveling later in pregnancy, get the name of a doctor in the area you will be visiting.
Traveling by Car
Traveling by car is generally safe throughout pregnancy. If you are driving to your destination, allow extra time for stops. You should plan to stop at least every two hours to stretch your legs and walk around. Most pregnant women will need to stop for frequent bathroom breaks. When you stop to use the bathroom, walk around a bit. This is good for circulation.
Always wear your seatbelt in the car. Push the seat back as far away from the dash board as possible. This keeps you at a safe distance from the airbag, should an accident occur. Limit your time in the car to six hours each day. Be sure to stay well hydrated and bring along healthy snacks.
Traveling by Air
Most airlines permit pregnant passengers to travel through the eighth month of pregnancy. In some cases, travel may be allowed later. A letter from your doctor will be required. In most cases, the airline will take your word for how far along you are in the [tag-cat]pregnancy[/tag-cat]. If you look big or worry that you may run into resistance, it’s a good idea to get a letter and carry it with you.
The safest way to travel by air is to fly on a large plane from a major airline. The cabins are pressurized, which is safer for you and the baby. When you make a reservation, ask for an aisle seat. This will allow you to get up easier to use the bathroom or stretch your legs. The air on most planes tends to be dry. Stay well hydrated during the journey. Most airports won’t allow you to carry liquids, but you can purchase water at the airport.
When you Arrive at your Destination
Traveling can be tiring, even when you are not pregnant. People tend to keep later hours and spend most of the day sightseeing. This may be too much activity for some pregnant women. Sightseeing from early morning to late at night probably isn’t the best idea. Take it easy to avoid overdoing it. Take a break in the middle of the day and go back to the hotel for a nap. Remember to eat regularly and choose healthy foods for meals and snacks.
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