Despite what your mom or even your friends tell you, it’s just not true that you can’t travel while you’re pregnant. You may have close friends and family who protectively tell you that travel is not recommended during pregnancy, but as long as you don’t have complications during your pregnancy, traveling, whether by plane or car, should be fine.
In fact, enjoy your trip.
Naturally, you’ll want to take some safety precautions if you’re driving or flying for an extended period of time while you’re pregnant. It will be easier if you don’t go alone, of course. A friend or partner can take turns being the driver, or helping carry things for you at the airport, to lighten your load.
driving during pregnancy
You may have your own worries about traveling. You may be worried about spending most of your time in the air or in the car with your head in a paper bag, unable to enjoy the scenery. There is no evidence that pregnancy increases the chance of dizziness. However, if you have had motion sickness in the past, you may get it again during your pregnancy.
If you are driving to your destination, try to sit in the front seat and keep the window ajar to allow fresh air to circulate through the vehicle. It may help to focus on a distant object on the horizon while in the car.
It is important to wear a seat belt correctly when traveling during pregnancy. It may be uncomfortable, but the belt will protect both you and your baby. Your lap belt should be snug across your hips, or directly below your belly. Do not let the seat belt ride up and across or over your belly. The shoulder belt should be placed across your breasts, not your neck.
If your seat has an airbag, it is recommended that you slide the seat as far back as possible.
Since the baby is probably putting pressure on your bladder, you may need to make frequent stops to use the bathroom, which will give you a chance to get out and stretch your legs.
If the worst comes to the worst and you have an accident, don’t hesitate to get checked out in an emergency room, even if it was a minor accident. Although your uterus is a safe and protective environment for your baby, there are complications that could occur as a result of a car accident. Get a checkup, just to be sure.
fly while pregnant
As long as your pregnancy is normal and healthy, you should be able to fly on a commercial airliner up to 35 weeks.
While there is no increased danger for women flying during the early stages of their pregnancies, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that the safest time to fly is when you are between 18 and 24 weeks pregnant. This is the time when the chance of miscarriage has decreased, and before you are at the highest risk of preterm labor.
If you plan to fly, you may be more comfortable sitting in an aisle seat or bulkhead seat, as they tend to have more legroom.
Just as you should when driving, make sure your seat belt is fastened securely across your hips and below your belly.
Make an effort to get up and walk every 30 minutes or so when flying. If you can’t do this, try flexing your feet and ankles as much as possible to help with circulation.
Whether you’re traveling by boat, car or plane, enjoy your vacation. Drink lots of water, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and have fun.
Your greatest adventure is about to happen with the arrival of your baby. Before this happens, take some time to take care of yourself.