Top tips for pregnant travellers
Here we share gurgle's top tips for travelling if you're pregnant.
Although it’s unlikely that anyone is going to advocate extreme sports holidays or long haul flights as a way of relaxing during your pregnancy, getting away from it all can be a great idea. If your partner can accompany you, even better, as this will give you both the opportunity to enjoy time as a couple before your new arrival makes his or her entrance. Alternately, if you’re still working you may have to travel for business. Whatever the reason, here are gurgle’s top tips for pregnant travelers to help make your trip as stress free and enjoyable as possible…
1. Manage long journeys
Avoiding long-haul travel is best but if you can’t do that, try to break up your journey into manageable chunks. If you are traveling by car or train, try to break your journey for rest stops and fresh air; and if you’re flying, try to avoid scheduling trips in the early and later stages of pregnancy.
2. Aim to travel in your second trimester
This is usually the perfect time to travel during your pregnancy, as you should be over the initial bouts of morning sickness and fatigue. Plus, you won’t feel as heavy and lethargic as you may do in your final trimester.
3. Take your maternity records
You may already have a copy of your records, but if not, just ask your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife. It’s wise to carry these you when you’re traveling, so that people are alerted to any special conditions should there be an emergency situation.
4. Pack snacks to boost your blood sugar
To stop yourself from getting hungry and suffering from fatigue, make sure you have a healthy supply of food to nibble on in transit. Try dried fruit, bananas or raw vegetables such as carrots, for an instant lift.
5. Hydrate yourself
Make sure you sip water throughout your journey. It’s easy to become dehydrated, especially in an airplane, and this can make you feel groggy and tired, and wreak havoc on your skin. Another handy hint is to carry a facial spray. It’s possible to buy sprays that contain refined water or aromatherapy oils to keep your skin hydrated.
6. Get comfortable
It worth your while to invest in a special wedge-shaped support pillow for pregnant women. It’ll support your lower back and help you get comfortable en route.
7. Exercise
Stretching your limbs and walking is important and helps you to combat conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (where blood clots develop in the legs) during air travel or long distance drives. If you’re driving, take rest stops to walk off the stiffness that car journeys create.
8. Relax your mind
Whether it is some gentle music, an audio book or a meditation aid, invest in some new listening material for a long journey. That way you can pop on some headphones and forget about the world for a while.
9. Investigate vaccination requirements
If you’re traveling to a different country check what the vaccination requirements are. Some vaccines may not be suitable for pregnancy and you may need to make alternative plans if this is the case.
10. Moisturize your skin frequently
As well as helping to avoid stretch marks, using a good moisturizer on your skin will help you to feel fresh. Try sweet almond oil for your stomach and a natural plant-based cream for your face.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.