An extra-large baby bag full of nappies, bottles and blankets is an essential part of any mum-to-be’s future travel plans but for the pregnant ladies out there TID has some other tips to for travelling when you’re pregnant.
Worried that travel during pregnancy could leave you exhausted and uncomfortable? We’ve got tips for making your journey as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
1. When is the best time to travel?
Everyone is different when it comes to a pregnancy and you should always consult your doctor before making your travel arrangements. However, the second trimester seems to be the most common time to travel.
In the first trimester you are most at risk of miscarriage and many women suffer from morning sickness. The risk of miscarriage is lower in the second trimester and generally the morning sickness has passed and you have your energy back.
In the third trimester you will find that many travel insurance companies won’t cover you, however some airlines will allow you to travel up to the end of your 35th week.
The risk is higher for delivery at this time and travel insurance general doesn’t cover childbirth. It’s also really uncomfortable to be travelling this late in your pregnancy – you feel heavy, you’re a lot less mobile and can’t walk around nearly as much.
2. Where are the best or safest places to travel?
Where would you go on holiday whilst pregnant?
Many couples are keen to take a babymoon – a last trip together before the baby arrives and there’s no escape from sleepless nights. You should choose a country that is low risk for diseases that require immunisations or preventative treatments such as malaria tablets.
Many immunisations are not suitable for pregnant women to take so you’ll need to check with your doctor if you are going to a country that requires vaccinations – they may be able to offer an alternative.
Popular destinations for babymoons are Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Noumea.
Places to avoid are Bali, Thailand and most of South East Asia as your chances of getting gastro are much higher. You don’t want to have to worry about everything you eat and drink.
You should use bottled water even if you are in an area where it’s safe to drink from the tap – this is because your body may take time to get used to the local water and may be more sensitive to different bacteria. Avoid eating food that could have been washed in tap water like salad or fruit that you can’t peel.
3. What kind of trip is best?
It’s best to choose a holiday where you can do lighter activities like yoga, walking and swimming or just lazing on the beach rather than high-energy, physically-demanding activities like trekking, cycling or skiing.
A lot of women also like going to resorts where they can indulge in relaxing treatments like prenatal massage.
4. What can you do to make the plane trip more comfortable?
Long-haul flights can be uncomfortable whilst pregnant.
On the plane get an aisle seat so you can get up and down often to go to the loo.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to DVT so it’s important to wear compression stockings on long flights and get up for a walk regularly. The seat belt should sit comfortably under your bump.
You should also tell the airline that you’re pregnant – some airlines require a fit-to-fly certificate confirming the stage of your pregnancy so you’ll need to check with the airline you’re travelling with.
5. Should I take any medical notes just in case?
It’s a good idea to always carry your maternity notes with you just in case you do need to be admitted to hospital.
Scanning your notes and storing them in the cloud somewhere (ie; Emailing them to yourself) before you go is also a good idea in case they get lost.
6. What sort of other things should I take?
Light, loose clothing for the flight
Facial mist – to help keep you cool
A neck pillow
Snacks: nuts; dried fruit; cereal bars; cheese & crackers and a bottle of water
Pregnancy vitamins
Wet wipes and anti-bacterial hand gel
Medical kit with: tablets for heartburn, thrush, constipation and haemorrhoids; Gastrolyte or similar oral rehydration solution; plasters. Any medicine prescribed by your doctor with enough supplies for the duration of your trip
E-reader/iPad stocked with your favourite mag’s and books