Tips for Traveling During Pregnancy
Most moms-to-be find that the best time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester. Between weeks 13 and 27, pregnant women tend to be the most comfortable, thus making travel more enjoyable. The symptoms of morning sickness, which usually occur during the first trimester, begin to dwindle. And fatigue, which increases during the third trimester, is manageable at this point. This is also an ideal time to take a babymoon, and you can check out our helpful tips for planning a babymoon here.
Some rules and regulations exist for different methods of transportation an expectant mom might use. Whether it’s a babymoon, a family vacation, or a friend’s wedding, there are a few things moms-to-be should keep in mind if traveling while pregnant.
Traveling by air during pregnancy
Most airlines require permission from a doctor for women to travel during the third trimester. Women who have been identified as high-risk, such as those with severe anemia, cardiac or respiratory disease, or those expecting multiple children are recommended to avoid travel from week 32 of pregnancy until birth.
Pregnant women may want to choose an aisle seat, which will allow them to get up more easily to reach the restroom or just to stretch. Additionally, because turbulence can shake the plane, expectant moms should hold onto the seat backs while moving about the cabin.
Traveling by car during pregnancy
Standard safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts are essential to protecting both a pregnant woman and her baby when riding in a car during pregnancy. The benefits of an airbag outweigh any potential risks to a mom or baby. Aim to keep travel time to a maximum of five or six hours and use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep blood circulating.
Traveling by sea during pregnancy
Planning a cruise or boat trip? It’s safe to travel by sea during pregnancy, but keep in mind that the movement of the boat may trigger or intensify morning sickness during the first trimester. Expectant moms may want to bring sea sickness bands, which use acupressure points to help prevent an upset stomach, or pregnancy-safe medications to ease nausea.
Whether you’re traveling during the first, second, or third trimester, it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable and safe. Pack lightweight clothes that you can layer to adjust to changing temperatures, keep foods to curb your morning sickness on-hand, and fill prescriptions for any medications you may be taking ahead of time.
Comments
I love posts like this. I’m going to take any help I can get to drive.
Claire on