With the holidays coming up, I wanted to touch on some important travel safety for pregnant women. There is no expectation that pregnancy should require you to miss out on the holiday festivities, but understanding preparation and prevention tips can help keep your holidays happy and healthy.
Let’s start by highlighting that 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝟑𝟔 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬.
🤰🏾The best time to travel during pregnancy is in the middle (between 14 & 28 weeks). This is because most of the nausea and initial pregnancy problems have resolved, and mobility is still relatively easy.
🙅🏾♀️ Travel is not recommended for patients who have broken their water, or who have been diagnosed with preeclampsia, preterm labor, or other high risk conditions.
🤰🏾If traveling, it is important to know your due date, bring all of your prescribed medications, and consider bringing or ensuring access to your prenatal records.
🤰🏾Because pregnancy increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis (formation of a blood clot in the large veins of the legs or other parts of the body), it is recommended that you avoid sitting or not moving for long periods of time. Whether traveling by car or plane, try to walk or stretch frequently (~ every 2 hours). To help with this, try selecting the aisle seat on your flights and taking the shortest (but safest) route to your destination.
🤰🏾When traveling by car, it is important to wear your seatbelt correctly. Buckle the belt below your belly (across your hipbones) with the shoulder belt between your breasts and to the side of your belly.
🤰🏾 Finally, if pregnancy issues occur during travel, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention at the nearest hospital. It is best to identify the closest delivery center to your planned destination prior to going on your trip.
Remember, every pregnancy is different. While the above is helpful to know, always check with your qualified healthcare provider to get specific recommendations and clearance prior to travel.
Tag and share with a pregnant loved one that you can’t wait to see this holiday season ❤️ Read more about Seasonal Tips, Tricks, & Trends!
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