24 May Baby on Board: Tips on Safe Travel When Pregnant
Summer is swiftly approaching, which means you’re likely already dreaming of where to spend your vacation. Whether you’re taking a trip to see family, exploring Europe, or heading on your much-anticipated babymoon ahead of your due date, you likely have many worries.
No matter what option applies to you, traveling while pregnant can be safe, but it’s essential to take extra precautions and plan ahead. That’s why the trusted team at Your Baby Club has provided their top tips on traveling with a baby on board.
Stop your swollen feet
It’s perfectly normal to have swollen feet, legs, and ankles when pregnant, and the likelihood will increase when flying, as you are sitting for a more extended period of time in a restricted position. One way to reduce swelling is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before you jet off and take a large water bottle on the plane.
Stretching your legs by walking down the aisle occasionally and standing up will help to get your blood flowing and reduce swelling. Before flying, purchase a pair of compression socks – they add pressure to the lower leg area to help blood flow and reduce discomfort.
If you’re taking a road trip this summer, you’ll likely experience swelling, so when possible, keep your feet elevated to help improve circulation and blood flow. Taking frequent breaks on your journey, to get out and stretch your legs will help to prevent swelling.
Check airlines before you fly
Most airlines will allow you to fly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. But it’s important to check your airline’s flight policies before booking a flight, as you may be required to show documentation from your doctor stating that you are fit to travel.
In most cases, individuals can travel safely right up to their due date – but it’s important to discuss this with your obstetrician or other healthcare professional to see if it is ok to travel, as they can recommend safe precautious guidelines to avoid any complications.
Tackling your motion sickness
If you often encounter motion or travel sickness, pregnancy can, in some cases, aggravate it. Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and sweating, which can all make traveling very unpleasant for a pregnant person, but there are ways to prevent it.
When traveling by car, plane, or train, ask for a window seat. When possible, try lying back and closing your eyes or even look out the window at a fixed point, like the horizon. Try to get as much fresh air as possible before, during, and after your journey. Distract yourself by listening to music, but don’t reach for a book, watch or movie or use an electronic device.
Also, snacking frequently, keeping hydrated, and sucking on sweets can help to prevent motion sickness – as peppermint is known to help with nausea symptoms.
Make sure you have travel insurance
Travel insurance is important, especially during pregnancy. Having an insurance policy in place will keep you covered, in case you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to travel. Insurance companies will often cover costs like nonrefundable tickets, hotels, and excursions, but it’s important to read the fine print when searching for the best policy.
It’s also important to check your health insurance plan before you head off on your travels, as you will need to see if you are covered if you require medical support while on vacation.
Book a prenatal check-up before you travel
At least a month before you travel, book a prenatal appointment, so they can check your health and how your baby is growing. They can also advise you on certain activities that you should and shouldn’t be participating in when on vacation.
You can discuss any health concerns you may be having, and they can provide you with specific vaccines and medication you may need for your trip.
Know the symptoms to look for
When traveling, you should be wary of symptoms that could indicate a health problem – these include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain or contractions, severe headaches, persistent or severe vomiting, dizziness or faintness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you seek medical attention straight away.
Make a travel safety kit
Whether you’re visiting a new tropical destination, jet-setting to a bucket list city break destination, or traveling across the country for the perfect camping experience, it is always better to come prepared. With a travel safety kit, you can include things like prescription medications, anti-nausea treatment, reflux medication, and other essential items that you will need when traveling.
