Traveling during pregnancy should be more of a relaxation trip than a strenuous one. What a unique experience to travel with your baby inside! Although many women are scared of traveling during pregnancy, it’s absolutely safe provided you’ve taken all the safety measures.
Tips For Safe Travel During Pregnancy
You must never take medication during travel without consulting your doctor. Some women make the mistake of taking pills for bowel problems or motion sickness during travel, leading to unwanted effects. You must be extra careful while traveling abroad because the time zone as well as climate changes. Discuss your trip with your doctor so that you know the right time to take the recommended medicines or supplements. Also, you must always have a copy of your prenatal record during travel.
High Altitude Travel
If you’ve a complicated pregnancy, you must avoid high altitude traveling during pregnancy such as mountaintop excursions. Even for normal pregnancy, your body and baby need to adjust to lower oxygen levels and air pressure at high altitudes. If you intend to travel above 8,000 feet, you must allow your body to adjust to 6000-8000 feet for several days at first.
The following are the recommendations by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
Land Travel: It’s recommended that you should not exceed your travel to 6 hours a day. While traveling by car, wear your seatbelt by positioning the lap belt between your upper thighs and abdomen for comfort. Position the shoulder strap across your shoulders, between the breasts. You MUST wear a lap shoulder strap at this time. This protects your baby in case of accident. Unless a lady is severely injured, her baby in the womb remains safe due to the cushioning effect provided by the fluid-filled sac in her uterus.
Air Travel: According to ACOG, this is relatively safer. In America, pregnant ladies are permitted to fly before 36 weeks of their pregnancy. Get an aisle seat. It’s spacious and makes it easy for you to walk to the bathroom. You must get up and move around every hour to reduce the chances of formation of blood clots in your legs. Drink ample water during the flight. Always wear layered clothing so that you aren’t caught off guard by temperature dips. If you’ve a risky pregnancy, such as pre-term delivery, poor fetal growth, or pre-eclampsia, you might need oxygen supplement during the flight. Talk to your doctor about it.
Sea Travel: Pregnancy is not the best time to go on a cruise, especially if you haven’t been out in the sea, ever. Seasickness is a common problem, even with those who are not pregnant. Therefore, it’s likely that you’re going to be affected by this motion sickness even more. If you really have to travel by sea during this time, notify your doctor and check the medical facilities available on board the ship.
Traveling during pregnancy shouldn’t petrify you. Take care and enjoy your trip with your baby!