Pregnancy Travel Tips
Whether you are going by car, bus, train, or by air, remember these Pregnancy Travel Tips. it is generally safe to travel while you are pregnant. Ideally, the second trimester is usually the best time to travel as in most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of pregnancy when you are more easily fatigued.
Here are some helpful tips for traveling while pregnant:
Check-In With your OB or Midwife:
Make sure that your OB or midwife is comfortable with you traveling; this is especially true if you are having a complicated or high-risk pregnancy. If traveling by air, some airline also requires a note from your healthcare practitioner that states your due date and the fact that you have a clearance to fly.
Fell Your Best On Board:
Book an aisle seat, so it’s easy to get up to go to the bathroom and walk around when you need to.If you have trouble with nausea related to motion or pregnancy, talk to your doctor about prescribing an anti-nausea medication to have on-hand. There are several that are safe to take during pregnancy.
Keep Moving:
Get up and move around as often as you can to prevent developing blood clots. if driving, make frequent stops and stretch your legs. Ask your healthcare practitioner if you could wear a compression socks
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water both to stay hydrated and to force yourself to get up often to use the bathroom.
Dress Comfortably:
Loose cotton tunic or shirt with a lightweight wool cardigan and comfortable shoes
Eat The Right Food:
Pack healthy snacks, it is important to make sure you have nutritious, protein-packed snacks to keep you going. When you eat fruits and vegetables, wash them well, and make sure that the water is potable. Be sure to cook meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood thoroughly.
Pack A Travel Health Kit:
Remember to keep prenatal vitamins and any medications that are specific to your health needs, handy. You also need to be wary of taking medications of any kind, including those commonly used to treat traveler’s diarrhea.
Monitor Your Health:
Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms while traveling: persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea, dehydration, vaginal bleeding, passing tissue or clots, abdominal pain or cramps, contractions, if your water breaks, excessive leg swelling or pain, severe headaches or visual problems.
Avoid Overheating:
If you feel weak and dizzy, light-headed or even slightly nauseous, it may be a sign that you are overheating; so remember to bring down your temperature by using a fan, placing a cool, wet cloth on your forehead and the back of your neck, or running cool water over your wrists.
Put Your Feet Up:
Pregnancy puts a strain on the circulation in your lower limbs so in order to avoid getting swollen feet and ankles or varicose veins, remember to rest your feet on your carry-on luggage under the seat in front of you.
Photo Credit: Omolisadxb
Also Read: 3 Biggest Baby Sleep Mistakes – How to Avoid Them
