If you are pregnant it doesn't mean that you should be stuck at home. But there are certain conditions where you should not travel and also certain safety measures to be taken if you are allowed to travel. Read this article to know more about traveling during pregnancy.
When can you travel during pregnancy?
It is better to avoid traveling for the first three months until 12 weeks of pregnancy since you will have nausea, vomiting, and tiredness which gets aggravated if you travel. The best time to travel is between 4-6 months. It is better to avoid traveling in your third trimester, especially after 35 weeks since labor pains are more common after this gestational age and it is difficult to manage the complications during travel. Hence it is good to avoid travelling after 35 weeks.
Can you travel by airplane and what are the safety measures to be taken?
As long as you have no complications associated with your pregnancy, flying is safer till 32 weeks. However, before flying you must get a letter from your healthcare provider that you are fit enough to travel. Make sure you carry medication with you for nausea and vomiting since they get aggravated while flying. Book a seat in the front so that the ride is a little smoother and safer. Stay well hydrated. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks or having any food that causes gas while traveling on a plane. Avoid traveling for more than five hours since it puts you at risk of having blood clots (DVT) in your legs. Wear loose and comfortable clothing and move your ankles and legs frequently while sitting and take short walks whenever possible. You can also wear tight stockings to prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Can you drive a car while pregnant and what are the safety measures to be taken while traveling in a car?
Yes, absolutely you can drive if you have a healthy pregnancy. However, it is safer to drive with a companion around rather than alone. Be seated far from the steering wheel and dashboard. Avoid traveling for more than five hours since it puts you at risk of having blood clots (DVT) in your legs. Do take shorter breaks in between, get down and stretch and walk a little. Wear a seatbelt while driving and make sure the lap strap should be under your belly and not over your bump. Keep the car windows open and make sure the air is in circulation.
What are the measures to be taken if you are traveling abroad?
Talk to your healthcare provider about your travel plan and ask them priorly if any vaccinations or medications have to be taken before traveling to that particular country. Do look out for medical centers in that country where you can get treated in case of any medical emergencies. Do have a copy of all your medical reports with you.
In what conditions traveling during pregnancy is not advisable?
If you have pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or any heart disease it is better to limit traveling as much as possible. Similarly, if you have problems like an incompetent cervix or placenta previa avoiding traveling is important. If you have twin pregnancies or had a history of miscarriage or ectopic or premature birth in the last pregnancy then traveling is not advisable.
