Travel During Pregnancy, Hygiene During Travelling, Best Time to Travel

Now that you are pregnant, you will find yourself facing quite a few restrictions to protect you and your baby. One of the queries that will come to your mind will be, “Can I travel?”

As long as there are no known complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel most of the time during the early phase of your pregnancy. There is no reason why you should cancel your travel arrangements, unless your doctor advises you not to travel. Nevertheless for your own safety, doctors recommend that it is better to avoid travel beyond 30 weeks except under the unavoidable situation when you may have to go to another place for delivery.

Air travel, after 30 weeks is okay, only if it cannot be avoided. Keep your doctor informed about your travel plans.

Your doctor will suggest the safest time and best mode of travel for you. However, there are certain precautions that you will need to take before you embark on your journey. The information below is provided to help make your trip safe and comfortable.

When is the best time for me to travel?

You will usually be in the most comfortable phase of your pregnancy between 14th and 28th week of pregnancy. This is generally considered to be the most suitable time for travel since by this time you would have got over most of the discomforts associated with the early phase of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, etc.

During the later stages of pregnancy, you may find it difficult to move around or remain seated for a long period of time. Too much of physical activity, stress or travel during this time carries the risk of preterm labor. Most often how your body feels will help you decide whether to travel or not. If you feel discomfort of any kind, avoid travel. Avoid places of high altitude since they can cause shortness of breath and associated discomforts. Avoid long trips and always make sure you are safe and comfortable.

Mode of travel

The next point you will have to consider is how you are going to travel; whether your travel is going to be by land, air or sea.

Land travel

If you are traveling by land, choose a comfortable car. Again, try keeping the trip short savoiding long drives. Road travel can be tiring, so restrict your driving to not more than 5–6 h a day. Wear you seat-belt well-strapped to protect you from sudden jerks. Travel in a car which has air bags fitted in it and keep the air bags activated at all times. Sit as far as possible from the dashboard to avoid hitting your stomach on it during incidents of sudden braking.

Between buses and trains, choose to travel by train. In both modes of travel, make sure you hold on to the railings when you are standing or walking about. Be cautious when you are boarding and alighting; watch your steps on the footboard. Another point to keep in mind is that bumpy rides will not cause labor.

Air travel

This is probably the safest means of travel during pregnancy. Planes have oxygen pressurized cabins, so you need not worry about shortness of breath at higher altitudes.

While booking your ticket inform theairline or the travel agent about your pregnancy. Some airlines mayrequire a certificate from your doctor if travel is after 30 weeks ofpregnancy. Choosing an aisle seat with enough leg room will help youget up easily when you want to walk about or go to the bathroom. Andjust in case you are concerned whether the metal detector at theairport security check will harm your baby, do not worry—it won’t.

Sea travel

Trynot to choose this mode of travel. It can give you an upset stomach.However, if you must travel, make sure there is a doctor on-board andthe ship has sufficient medical facilities to treat your discomforts.Ships usually carry safety manuals for pregnant women; go through themto make your journey more comfortable.

Going abroad
Get your doctor’s approval before you plan a foreign trip. Some countries require visitors to get vaccinations before they arrive in that country.

Ask your doctor about the vaccinations you need to take before you travel. Take a copy of your medical history records with you. Avoid long hours of travel by air.

Hygiene

Traveling to foreign lands can put you at a risk of catching various infections. Common among them is traveler’s diarrhea. Dealing with diarrhea during pregnancy can be quite tricky. Not only will it dehydrate you and deplete you of fluid and nutrients, it will do the same to your baby too. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent diarrhea. Always keep medication at hand.

Precautions during foreign travel

Drink only bottled mineral water or juices that are canned and safe.

Use disposable paper or plastic cups.

Eat vegetables that are well cooked.

Do not eat poorly cooked food.

Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana).

Make sure the milk is pasteurized.