Are you planning a trip during your pregnancy? From the time your baby is conceived, you try your best to pay careful attention to safeguard your precious little one. After all, every mum's dream is to finally cuddle a happy and healthy baby that is growing inside of her. What do you do when you need to travel abroad or locally on holiday or for any other matter? How can you keep your baby safe while travelling during your pregnancy?
It is important to note that although pregnancy is not a sickness, you need to be cautious when travelling. Wherever you are planning to travel, it is vital that the location should be clean and unpolluted. Travelling to noisy areas with polluted atmospheres is not recommended.
Is this journey an absolute necessity?
There are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself before embarking on any trip:
- Is this something I must do?
- Is this something I can skip to safeguard my unborn child?
- How long will I have to travel?
- Do I have any pregnancy complications so far?
- Are travel arrangements comfortable or demanding?
Typical challenges or difficulties experienced while travelling
When you are pregnant, the challenges you face while travelling are very different compared to other times. You will most likely face the following difficulties:
- Long trips will exhaust you faster.
- Vomiting.
- Nausea.
- Frequent need for urination.
- Difficulties staying in one position.
- Swollen feet.
- Fear of bleeding.
When is the best time to travel?
The best time to travel is in the middle of your pregnancy, in your second trimester. Most common pregnancy problems happen in the first and third trimesters – so it is not wise to travel during these times. It is important to seek your doctor’s advice when travelling. Your history of pregnancy and health conditions will all play a part in the doctor’s recommendation. It’s also important to note that most airlines will not allow pregnant women to fly in the latter stages of pregnancy and will require a medical certificate for expectant mothers to travel after their 28th week (Source: www.srilankan.com).
Let’s say your doctor has given you the approval to travel
Please pay attention to the type of vehicle you will be travelling in. Also, keep in mind that travelling for long stretches can be tiring and can result in cramping and swollen feet. You need to make sure that you can make frequent stops to get out and stretch your hands and feet by walking at least once every hour. While this is possible when travelling with your friends and relatives in private vehicles, you may not be able to stretch often if you are travelling in public transport. This is why you need to pay attention to the mode of travel that you will be using.
Things to pack and prepare
Clothes:It is a given that you need to pick your clothes based on the type of climate and weather you expect to experience at your travel destination. In addition, you need to make sure that you select clothes that are not too tight but are loose-fitting and comfortable.
Underwear: You will also need to urinate frequently and at times your inability to control your bladder will mean that you need to pay special attention to what underwear you choose.
Shoes: Select shoes that are easy and comfortable to walk in such as walking shoes. Pack a few spare ones.
Medicine: Also, be sure to pack your essential medicines and vitamins that you cannot miss taking.
Boiled water: You will frequently be thirsty during pregnancy, so ensure that you pack a large volume of clean, boiled water. Do not risk drinking from outside sources as this water could be polluted and filled with harmful bacteria and chemicals which could be harmful to your little one.
Snacks: Also, don’t forget to pack plenty of biscuits and fruits to satisfy your hunger cravings!
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