Safe Traveling While Pregnant
Pregnancy is a condition that affects many lifestyle
choices and deciding whether or not to travel while pregnant is
one of those times when you may wish to think about all the
factors involved in traveling before embarking on your trip
whether it is traveling for business or pleasure.
The first step to safe traveling is actually something that
should be done prior to becoming pregnant if indeed you know
you will be traveling during your expected pregnancy time and
you of course don't have a surprise pregnancy. The step is to
have a preconception appointment in which you make sure you are
healthy and fit before becoming pregnancy for the benefit of
mom and baby and during this appointment you can mention your
travel plans so that your doctor can be sure that any
immunizations you need can be administered to you prior to
becoming pregnant. Some vaccines such as the MMR and yellow
fever should be given at least 28 days before becoming
pregnant.
The safest time to travel is during the second trimester of
pregnancy which is weeks 18 through 24, according to the
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. If you plan both
your pregnancy and your travel ahead of time you can coordinate
the best you can so that your travel occurs during weeks 18
through 24 of your pregnancy.
Traveling is actually safe for most pregnant women as long
as you plan your travel so that you are taking any special
precautions specific to your pregnancy and follow doctor's
advice while traveling.
Pregnancy tips while traveling:
Bring your own snacks for traveling to be sure that they are
healthy and won't encourage any extra pounds. If you suffer
from morning sickness or fainting due to lack of food in your
stomach make sure you pack appropriate snacks for these
conditions.
It is important to take breaks when ever possible to stretch
your legs and move around a bit especially if you are more than
halfway through your pregnancy.
If you are traveling by air, most airlines restrict
traveling for those in the last few weeks of pregnancy except
in emergencies.
It is important to stay hydrated whenever you are pregnant
but especially when you are traveling it is important to bring
water bottles with you if possible.
Make sure you plan clothing changes for any possible weather
along your travels because it is not always possible to control
temperature when flying or when in a car. Wear layers so you
can make adjustments in clothing as needed to stay comfortable
during your travels.
Always carry with you contact information for the healthcare
provider caring for your pregnancy, and any medical records
that you can obtain copies of so that if you need medical care
during your travels your records will be easily
available.
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