Pregnancy does not mean that you have to stay at home. So it is very important that you plan the daily commute and method of travel. As long as the mother and the foetus are healthy, the pregnant lady can safely travel till 36 weeks of pregnancy. The most ideal time to travel is the second trimester that is between weeks 14-28.
Most of the problem in pregnancy occurs during the first and the third trimesters. The morning sickness goes after the end of the first trimester and the fatigue occurs at the time of the third trimester. As the baby is still growing during the second trimester, it is comfortable for the pregnant woman to move. During this time a woman is lesser prone towards miscarriage or preterm labour.
If the pregnant woman has any kind of health condition, for example, heart disease. In addition, if the woman has any complications in pregnancy like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labour or premature rupture of membrane, then your obstetrician will limit your days.
A few points must be kept in mind so that you can travel safely.
- Visit your doctor for a scheduled check-up before leaving for the trip.
- You must know your due date because while travelling if you have any problem then your caregiver will have the knowledge about your pregnancy.
- You must not forget to take over-the-counter medicines with yourself along with the prescribed medicine to get quick relief from any medical issues.
- Before leaving for the trip you must check the date of vaccines.
- Take the fastest and the easiest way to reach your destination.
Some Tips For Your Journey
If you are travelling by car make your drive as short as you can. Wear the seat belt while riding, buckle the belt below your belly. During your ride make regular stops for the movement of your body.
It is very important to remember your due date while travelling by flight. The time to travel by flight must be done before 36 weeks of pregnancy. Some of the airlines restrict travel without a medical certificate. You must book an aisle seat so that while going to the restroom you do not have to pass your co-passenger sitting beside you.
If you are going by ship then you must be sure that your stop must at a place which is facilitated with medical equipment. Before leaving to travel by ship you must consult with your obstetrician about medication that will help you get relief from sea-sickness.
Finally, during travel if you get any of these following symptoms then immediately ask for the medical help:
- Cramps in belly
- Contractions in the uterine muscles
- Excessive pain in head
- Swelling in legs along with pain
- Problem in vision
- Severe contraction or water break
Even if your health is perfect, an emergency might be caused during the trip. So, you must remain careful about travelling during pregnancy. You and your caregiver must be aware of your time of foetus’ growth. In case if there are any complications then immediate action must be taken. You must also have the knowledge of medical center near to your travel destination.