Life is very uncertain. You don’t know what’s going to happen next minute. You could be pregnant and then find out that you have to travel, either for a vacation or business. Pregnant women need to practice certain precautions while traveling. This article will guide you about the dos and don’ts of traveling while being pregnant. Have a look.
Important Tips To Keep in mind While Traveling
1. Consult Your Doctor
It is of utmost importance that you consult your doctor before traveling for the implications of your travel. You have to know what you have to avoid and what safety measures you have to take during your trip. Explain to your doctor in detail about where you’re going, when you’ll be back, what activities you plan to do during your trip etc. Note down his/her advice and keep it with you in your purse.
2. The Right Time to Travel
You should avoid traveling in the first and third trimester because it’s risky. Moreover, amidst this pandemic, make sure you follow all the social distancing norms, carry a sanitizer every time, and wear a mask. Also, it would help if you travel with someone instead of traveling alone.
3. Get A Travel Health Insurance
Travel Health insurance becomes even more important when you’re pregnant and traveling because you don’t know what to expect from your body. You’ll also have to check if your insurance covers pregnancy because most travel health insurance policies don’t cover it.
4. Get Vaccinated
The Covid vaccine is out (thankfully!). So make sure you get vaccinated before you travel. However, you must consult your doctor before getting jabbed.
Moreover, vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, should be avoided. However, inactive vaccines such as the vaccine for Malaria are fine and should be taken. Again, please do not take any vaccine before consulting your doctor.
6. Don’t Travel to Malaria Infested Places
As a general rule, pregnant women should avoid traveling to places where they can be infected with Malaria. However, if it’s not possible to avoid the trip, then make sure that you have enough mosquito repellent on yourself and that you wear full clothing at all times. If you catch Malaria, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
7. Transport Rules
When you sit in a car, train, or a plane seat, tie your belt below your abdomen. Most airlines do not allow pregnant women to travel in their aircraft during the late months, so check this with your airline beforehand.
Most older and pregnant women develop blood clots during long flights. You should walk a lot in the cabin and wear compression stockings to avoid that. To avoid motion sickness, keep yourself hydrated, take appropriate medicine for it, and distract your mind from it.
8. Recreational Activities
Recreational activities which involve high altitude above 3,650 ft. should be avoided. Scuba diving is also a no-no. You can save the adventure activities for later when the baby gets born. Drink purified water and avoid raw stuff to eat on your trip. Stay away from animals, particularly dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. It is not a good time to go to a safari or a zoo.
9. Book a Comfortable Accommodation
The hotel or apartment is crucial to your health. Make sure it follows all the Covid protocols and has requisite facilities for pregnant women. For example, if you’re traveling to Denver, make sure you book a rental online by searching for Denver short term rentals on Google.
Check the hotel facilities and consider calling the hotel to check if it fits your requirements. Then make an informed decision.
Final Word
If you start having symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain, contractions, excessive leg swelling, headaches, or any other unusual pains, seek medical attention immediately. It’s ok to travel while you’re pregnant. You just need to take care of yourself more and be around your family/friends at all times.
Happy Traveling!
Also read: 8 Myths and Misconceptions About Pregnancy That You Should Not Believe
