TRAVEL AND PREGNANCY

 

"Can I travel, when pregnant?"

This is one of the most commonest question, most of the pregnant couple have!

Is it safe for me to drive, can I use an Auto? Can I use public transport? Can I plan for a baby moon?

Traveling when pregnant is most under-addressed when it comes to pregnancy education, so that it has a lot of confusions around this.

Have you ever heard of couples telling this? 

"We never knew we were pregnant, during our holiday or trip, and when we came back, we took a test and it was positive"

"I had some weird feeling, few days before our trip, and our trip made if even worse, we took a home test and it was positive"

So, It's this way, mostly women don't even know they are pregnant, unless they get their symptoms on track to suspect pregnancy and yet their baby would be safe and healthy.

It's not that Traveling should be avoided when pregnant. In very few cases, called "High Risk Pregnancy" or "Complications in pregnancy" your OBG Consultant may refrain you from Travelling. 

The answer to the question is, Yes you can Travel but with atmost precaution and consent from your OBG

When it comes to Travel and Pregnancy, there are few points to consider  because that needs an extra care. Unless and until your consultant OBG advises you not to travel, you can under your safe boundaries.

If you are in your 1st Trimester, the pregnancy induced discomfort like, vomiting, nausea, morning sickness, fatigue and pain are at it's peak in most of the women.

• In such cases you may better avoid traveling to long distances, or traveling very often. Before planning any travel, first consult to your OBG and get their consent. 
• Make sure you are comfortable and prepared for your travel.
•  Choose your comfort mode of transport, Travel safe, Always hydrate yourself and carry some small healthy snack when traveling. 
• Incontinence because of the effect of hormones is also one of the commonest discomfort when traveling. Do not control your pee as it may result in Urinary Tract Infections. Always carry proper toiletries.

In your second trimester, you'll feel better many of your first trimester complaints (nausea vomiting). Pain, edema and musculoskeletal discomfort takes up its space. Yet this period of your pregnancy is going to be the best part. Usually women feel much excited than normal and they wish to explore and experience the best of their self. Its the time of food cravings and lot many expectations in all aspects Most couples plan their baby moon to celebrate their pregnancy. To make your travel a best experience, 

• Choose a best mode of transport, Take frequent breaks on a road trip, get down and walk breathe in good air. 
• When choosing airlines, always choose the best seating.
•  Do frequent Ankle pumps as it prevents pedal edema.
• When ever you are on long trips, always carry a copy of your medical records.
• When you are in a kind of job, where you have to travel for long distance, Make sure you are comfortable. Hydration is the key. Avoid travelling early morning and late nights. If you are comfortable with public transport you can definitely choose it. Make sure you carry a good back pack than hand-bags.

In the third trimester, when u are planning to travel long distant or to your mom's place out of the city, to an other state or even sometimes to an other country,

• First confirm with the nation's policy if a women could travel in airline or a cruise. 
• Get your OBG consent
• Don't plan your travel during the last few weeks
• Make sure you have proper access to an health care center
• Travelling by roads is not a good option.
• I would rather prefer train than bus. In case if you are planning to travel by bus choose a sleeper searing. Avoid Night travel.  

Travelling can be exciting when you start, and finally when you reach thr destination, you may feel like sore, tired and drained out. Just relax, take a good rest,  meditate, exercise, have some good personal time, do some self care, foot massages will definitely help you out.

Share this to all pregnant mommies and remind them, "Have a stress free and safe travel"