Have bump, will travel - here's how

Although it is 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. If you are still working, perhaps it is necessary to travel for business, and therefore you may not have a choice about leaving town. Whatever the reason, here are gurgle’s top tips for pregnant travellers to help make your trip as stress free and enjoyable as you can.

1.    Manage long journeys. Avoiding long-distance travel is the ideal, but if you can’t do that, try to break up your journey into manageable chunks.
If you are travelling by car or train, try to break your journey for rest stops and fresh air, and if you are flying long haul, try to avoid the early and later stages of pregnancy and make sure you get up and walk around the plane three or four times during the flight to improve circulation.

2.    Aim to travel in your second trimester. This is probably the perfect time to travel during your pregnancy, as you should be over the initial bouts of morning sickness and fatigue, and yet not feel too heavy and lethargic as you may do in your final trimester. Check with your airline before you travel to see what their policy is on pregnant travellers. Most airlines will not let you travel after 34 weeks and you may need a note from your midwife to confirm which week of pregnancy you are in.

3.    Carry your maternity notes. You may already have your maternity notes with you, but if not, just ask your midwife or doctor. It is wise to carry these with you when you are travelling, so that people are alerted to any special conditions should there be an emergency situation.

4.    Carry snacks to maintain blood sugar levels. 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 organic sun-dried apricots, bananas or raw vegetables such as carrots, for an instant lift.

5.    Hydrate yourself. Make sure you sip water throughout your journey. It is easy to become dehydrated, especially in an aeroplane, and this can make you feel groggy, tired and wreak havoc on your skin. Another handy hint is to carry a facial spray. It is possible to buy sprays that contain refined water, or sprays, which contain aromatherapy oils, to keep your skin hydrated.

6.    Get comfortable. It is likely to be worth your while to invest in a special support pillow. There are lots of different companies nowadays, which design and produce cushions and pillows for pregnant women. They will support your lower back or help you get comfortable while in transit.

7.    Exercise. Stretching your limbs and walking gently is important and helps you to combat conditions like thrombosis during air travel. If you are driving, take rest stops to walk off the stiffness that car journeys create. In addition, this way you can make frequent stops for the bathroom!

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 are travelling to a different country, ensure that you understand 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.    Moisturise your skin frequently. As well as helping to avoid stretch marks, using good moisturisers on your skin will help you to feel fresh and supple. 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.

Last Modified: 11/05/2010