Travel during pregnancy
Traveling during pregnancy is not dangerous provided you avoid places where there are no medical facilities or where you do not speak the language in case you need to. In the first trimester, the nausea can also throw a spanner in the works.
Traveling over land
Traveling by car, train or bus is safe. For a more comfortable ride, consider the following:
- Seat belts are required. Use both the belt around your waist and the belt over your shoulder.
- Research advance where you can find hospitals in case you need to.
- If you go by train, make sure you are not far from the toilet. Hold tight when you walk or sit on the toilet.Do not travel for more than 5 or 6 hours in a row.
- Stop every few hours and walk a bit if possible.
- Take enough drinks with you. Water is the best.
Flying
Flying during pregnancy is safe. Check in advance with your airline about their policy regarding pregnant women.
- Most airlines allow the flight up to and including the eighth month. If you want to fly during the ninth month, you may need the approval of your doctor.
You must be careful during the flight. If you walk to the toilet, hold tight so that you do not fall when sudden turbulence shakes the device.
Choose a seat on the aisle so that it is easier to stretch your legs from time to time. You probably also have to go to the toilet more often.
Large aircraft of the large companies keep the aircraft under pressure so that you (almost) do not suffer from pressure differences. Smaller planes often can not do this. Avoid these planes, or do not fly higher than 7000 feet.
Traveling by sea
Traveling by sea is also safe. Do ask in advance what the policy is with respect to pregnant women. Also ask if there is a sickbay and be prepared for extra nausea in bad weather. There are special bracelets that use acupressure to prevent seasickness (seabands).
Traveling abroad
Traveling abroad can bring extra risks.
- First ask your doctor if special precautions should be taken.
- If you need to be vaccinated, ask if this is safe during pregnancy.
- Diarrhea is a common occurrence when you travel abroad, because you may not be able to withstand the bacteria that are present in the food and drinks. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. These tips can prevent this:
- Drink a lot of water from bottles. Do not drink water from the tap.
- Make sure you drink only pasteurized milk (and products made from it).
- Do not eat fresh fruit and fresh vegetables unless they are cooked or peeled (such as oranges and bananas).
- Make sure that all the meat you eat is completely cooked. Leave it if you are not sure.
Extra tips:
- Wear light comfortable clothes and comfy shoes.
- Bring your favorite pillow.
- Make sure there are plenty of breaks along the way for toilet visits and for stretching the legs.
- Take food for in between.
- Take all the necessary vitamins with you.
- If you travel further or longer, take a copy of your pregnancy papers.
Enjoy your trip!
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