Travel During Pregnancy – Pregnancy Travel Tips

Your last pre-baby holiday? Important business trip? Whatever the situation is, the thought off travel during pregnancy can be daunting. I know it was for me and for my pregnant friends.

Lets be honest, anything around pregnancy was (is) daunting. I wish I had someone to tell me every day everything I can or cannot do while I was pregnant. Can I eat this? Can I eat that? Can I exercise? Can I do that?

When it comes to travel during pregnancy, I went to Belgium at the beginning of my pregnancy and everything was fine. My doctor told me I can go without worryinga about anything. But even though I had few opportunities to travel again, I didn’t travel anywhere later in the pregnancy, because I was too scared something bad could happen.

Well, if you are pregnant and want (or have) to travel, you don’t have to be scared anymore. As longs as your pregnancy is running smoothly, there is no reason for you not to travel.

WHEN TO TRAVEL DURING PREGNANCY

First Trimester (0 to 13 weeks) – It is safe for you to travel, but you may still be experiencing nausea.

Second Trimester (14 to 26 Weeks) – This is the best time to travel during pregnancy. Your energy has returned, morning sickness is probably gone, and it is still easy to get around.

Third Trimester (27 to 40 Weeks) – It is not recommended to travel at third trimester, especially after 35 weeks, as you have the possibility of going into labour anytime. Also, some airlines don’t allow pregnant women to board after 35 weeks or they ask for special note from your doctor.

Of course, every pregnancy is different, so you need to confirm your trip with your doctor! Travel is not recommended if you have some sirious pregnancy complications,  such as preeclampsia or prelabor rupture of membranes. Travel during pregnancy may also not be such a good idea if you are pregnant with twins.

Travel During Pregnancy – Everything you need to have in mind

• If you’re thinking about travelling while pregnant, you should definitely have in mind your medical history, antenatal checks and any increased risks.
• Discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your doctor or midwife, before deciding to go on a long trip.
• If your doctor cleared you for travelling while pregnant, try to travel in your second trimester.
• Make sure you pack all the required medicines.
• Get a pregnancy travel insurance. You want to make sure that you are covered for key eventualities.
• There is an increased risk of developing a DVT while flying, due to sitting for a prolonged length of time. Make sure that you stretch your legs a few times every half an hour.
• Keep yourself hydrated!
• Always wear a seatbelt while driving in a car. Fasten the lap sash under your bump and fit the shoulder sash above your bump.

What do you think about travelling while pregnant? Did you go anywhere while you were pregnant? If you did, what did you do to stay safe? What steps did you take before your journey to make sure everything will be ok? Please share!