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As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, most pregnant women can safely travel
during most of their pregnancy. However, as with everything else during your pregnancy, a little extra planning, precaution,
and care will ensure your safety and that of your baby. Always check with your doctor before travelling just to make sure
it is safe for you and bump
Let’s start with the obvious:
- Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes, it’s much more
important to be comfortable than to look stunning!
- Take a pillow it will help
- Plan for stops, toilet breaks, pregnant women often need
the toilet a lot more often and get up and stretch as often as possible
- Take snack foods with you
- Take your maternity information with you just in case and find out what blood group you are.
Travel by road or rail
Whether you are travelling by car, bus, or train, it is generally safe to travel while you are
pregnant; however, there are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.
- It is essential to use a seat belt every time you ride in a car. We know it can be uncomfortable
but unless there is a medical reason not to it is illegal not to wear your belt and lets face it it's much safer. Always
wear your seat belt low across your pelvic bone and never across your belly, and position the shoulder belt snugly between
your breasts.
- Keep the air bags turned on. The safety benefits of the air bag outweigh any potential risk
to you and your baby.
- It is best to try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus or train as
much as is feasible. Try to get up and stretch, walk around as often as you can.
- If you are in an accident of any sort, regardless of severity or how far along you are in your
pregnancy, you should be checked out by a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine.
Travel by air
Travelling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant always check with a medical
professional before you book, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable.
- Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel up to 36 wks, always check before you book. Travelling
during the ninth month is sometimes allowed if there is permission from your medical professional, but it can be quite difficult
to move about on a plane when you are heavily pregnant so if you can avoid it do.
- It can be difficult to navigate a pregnant body around on a plane but it is important that
you move about as often as you can. If you can, choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up easier rather than trying
to clamber over other people every time you need the toilet.
- Take water with you on to the plane if you can, if not ask the stewardess for it regularly
and make sure you don’t get dehydrated.
- Always wear your seat belt when seated ask for an expander if you need it.
Travel by sea
Travelling by sea is generally safe for women while they are pregnant; our mums say that it
is best avoided in the first few months as the motion of the sea can increase the feeling of morning sickness. There are a
few considerations to make your trip safer and more comfortable.
- If you are lucky enough to go on a cruise always check that there is a medical professional
on board in case there are any complications.
- Before you go ask your doctor to prescribe seasickness medication that is suitable for pregnant
women as many are unsuitable.
- An alternative to medication may be seasickness bands which use acupressure to help prevent
upset stomach.
Foreign travel
Travelling overseas has all the same considerations that local travel has, but it also has additional
considerations that you need to think about before making an international trip.
- Language problems can also make accurate diagnosis and correct treatment difficult so consider
this before you book
- It is important to talk to your doctor before you take a trip internationally to discuss safety
factors such as access to medical attention, basic things like disease free blood supplies, risk of contracting harmful infections
etc, for you and your baby. Discuss any immunisations that you may need and their safety.
- Diarrhoea is a common concern when travelling overseas because you are not used to the germs
and organisms found in the food and water of other countries. This can lead to a problem of dehydration. Here are some tips
to avoid diarrhoea and help keep you safe:
- Drink plenty of bottled water
- Avoid ice in your drinks it is often made with local water
- Make sure the milk is pasteurised
- Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an
orange or a banana)
- Avoid salad as it is usually washed in local water
- Make certain that all meat and fish has been cooked completely; if you are unsure, do not eat
it
Remember to take your EHIC or medical insurance and maternity documentation, oh and just
in case make sure that you know your blood group
If you experience any of the following complications while you are travelling, you should seek
immediate medical attention:
- Bleeding
- Contractions
- Impaired vision
- Ruptured membranes
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Passing clots or tissue
- Headaches
- Excessive swelling of your legs
- Or if you are in any way worried about your health or that of your baby
At the end of the day if you are travelling while pregnant, be sensible about where you visit,
think ahead and take extra precautions, listen to your body, and always discuss your travel plans with your doctor before
you leave. But if you can after all that try to enjoy it!!
Send us your traveling whislt pregnant tips and experiences, we can't wait to hear from your
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