Tips For Traveling While Pregnant. Are you considering a relaxing “babymoon” before your little one’s born?. An extra-large baby bag full of diapers, bottles and blankets is an essential part of any mom-to-be’s future travel plans. But for now — since the only extra weight you’re carrying is that in-utero bundle of joy — traveling can be a slightly easier undertaking. Whether you’re planning a mind-clearing babymoon, a critical work trip or that four-hour drive to your in-laws, make sure to prioritize your comfort and health while on the go.
Whether by plane, train, or automobile – can be a tricky proposition. But with your doctor’s blessing and some smart preparation, there’s no reason to sit home. If you’re planning on hitting the road, learn how to stay comfortable and educate yourself about which activities are safe and which you should avoid. Here’s simple tips for traveling while pregnant :
Several Tips for Traveling While Pregnant
Quoted from babycenter.co.uk and parenting.com, here is guide to making it easy, comfortable, safe, and relaxing.
- Choose Your Destination Wisely
UK and European breaks are ideal when you’re pregnant, as they don’t involve lots of travelling. Long-haul flights can be uncomfortable during pregnancy, and there are plenty of great destinations closer to home.
Ideally, try to choose somewhere within a two-hour to three-hour flight. It’ll also help if there isn’t a long transfer from the airport. Alternatively, you could book a couple of overnight stays into your journey to break up the trip.
It’s much easier to relax and enjoy your holiday when you know that there are good shops and medical facilities nearby. Try not to go too far off the beaten track, and do a little research online before you go.
If possible, it’s best to avoid travelling to areas where vaccinations are required during pregnancy. If you do decide to go to a risky area, see your doctor before you go. She’ll be able to advise you on what vaccinations are safe for you while you’re pregnant.
- Plan Ahead
A little forward thinking can help you make the most of your time away. Make a list of all the things you want to take with you, just to be on the safe side. Our pregnancy packing checklist will get you started such as: Healthy snacks, a bottle of water, wipes and anti-bacterial hand gel, your maternity notes, a letter from your doctor or midwife, any medication prescribed by your doctor, Travel insurance documents, and Contact details for a local doctor or hospital, and there are lots more tips below.
Allow plenty of time for travel. This includes giving yourself regular rest breaks and toilet stops, as well as extra time for any delays. If you are delayed, use it as an extra chance to have a nap or break. Take a travel pillow to help relieve your back on hard chairs, or for use as a headrest if you have a long wait.
- Pack Sensibly
Staying comfortable is even more important when you’re pregnant. The right clothes, shoes and accessories can make a real difference. If you’re likely to do lots of walking, take comfortable shoes or trainers. Bonus points if they slip on and off easily, in case bending down becomes difficult.
You may also want to take some blister pads. Even comfortable shoes can rub if your feet swell up. Flat shoes, such as ballet pumps, are usually kind to the feet and smart enough for holiday evenings. However they’re less supportive if you walk any distance.
If you’re going to be away for more than a few weeks, make sure you pack clothes that have room for your bump to grow. Most maternity swimming costumes are able to accommodate an expanding bump but your favourite cotton sun dress might not! Pack a range of clothes to help you stay cool on hot days and use light layers to stay comfortable when the temperature dips.
- Enjoy the Journey
Whether you’re travelling by car, train, boat or plane, there are a number of easy steps you can take to make your trip more comfortable.
Try to do some simple stretches every hour or so to help minimise swelling, heartburn and leg cramps. If possible, get up and wander around every so often. Or if you’re driving, try to take a break at least every hour and a half.
You can also wear compression stockings (flight socks) to help keep your circulation moving on long journeys. If your back aches, try placing a cushion or rolled-up jumper in the small of your back when you sit down. Always remember to take plenty of water and snacks for the journey too.
- Take it Easy
Pregnancy is the perfect excuse to kick back and enjoy some real relaxation. In the past, you may have unwound by doing things like adventure activities, non-stop shopping or long sightseeing tours. Now that you’re pregnant, try to take a break from such demanding activities. Getting plenty of rest will help you feel better and give you enough energy to enjoy your holiday to the full.
Try to plan several breaks a day, in places where you can relax with your feet up. Give yourself time to sit still, absorb the atmosphere, and recharge your batteries. Don’t be shy about telling your travelling companions if you’re feeling tired and in need of a rest. Make the most of this special time and ensure that your comfort is the top priority.
If you do start to feel tired, why not read on the beach for a while, go for a leisurely swim, or stay in and enjoy a warm bath and some room service? Once your energy is restored, you’ll enjoy your trip far more.
- Appreciate the Food
Travelling is a great chance to try different cuisines and enjoy an even more varied diet. Delicious fruit, freshly-baked bread and spicy dishes are just some of culinary highlights of any holiday. Now you’re pregnant, a few extra precautions will keep you feeling well while you enjoy some local flavours.
Eating healthily while you’re away is often easier than at home. Include as many fruits and vegetables as possible. This will give you plenty of vitamins and minerals, and can also help you avoid constipation. If you’re not sure about the safety of the water where you’re staying, avoid raw vegetables and fruit that you can’t peel yourself.
Pack plenty of healthy snacks in your hand luggage for the journey. Dried fruit, cereal bars and wholemeal biscuits are all great options. That way you’ll always have something tasty on hand, regardless of delays.
If you feel you can only eat certain foods that may not be available at your holiday destination, take a bumper supply in your suitcase. It’s a lot better than feeling ill and hungry while you’re away.
It’s especially important to drink plenty of water while you’re pregnant, to help avoid dehydration. Always carry a bottle with you and take sips throughout the day. This can also help reduce feelings of nausea.
- Take Regular Breaks
With all the hard work that goes into growing a baby, it’s natural for pregnancy to make you feel more tired than usual. Try to use your holiday to catch up on some sleep and don’t be embarrassed to take a rest when you need one. That’s what holidays are for!
Remember that resting a lot doesn’t mean that you’re missing out. In fact, it will give you the energy to really enjoy a few hours of exploring here and there, which is much better than feeling exhausted all the time. Pregnancy is also the time to put your feet up, literally! This can help to combat swelling. You may also find that you need more toilet stops than usual. If you’re worried about hygiene, take some antibacterial hand and body wipes for extra reassurance.
- Do Something Different
Pregnancy is a great time to slow things down and try a more leisurely holiday. But you can still enjoy plenty of different activities on your trip. In fact, taking things at a gentler pace may enable you to try things you’d never considered before!
The most obvious way to make the most of your holiday is simply to enjoy your freedom from everyday worries. Head to the beach or out into the countryside and spend some time quietly appreciating your surroundings. For something a little more stimulating, why not go and see a show, spend a little time exploring the local town, or enjoy a really good book?
If you’d like to keep moving, try gentle activities such as yoga, Pilates, swimming or walking.
This is also a great opportunity to do things that will be more difficult once your baby has arrived. If you’re travelling with a partner, it’s the perfect chance for a quiet romantic meal at a waterside restaurant. If you’re on your own or with friends, why not treat yourself to a relaxing spa day? Just make sure you tell the therapist how many weeks pregnant you are.
If there’s a particularly demanding sport or activity you’d like to try on holiday, it might be worth checking with your GP before you go.
- Use Your Common Sense
Of course, there are some activities you’ll need to avoid during pregnancy. These include anything that puts you at risk of falling, such as snowboarding, horse riding, waterskiing, windsurfing and climbing.
Scuba diving and other pressurised sports are out too, because air bubbles can form in your bloodstream and be transferred to your baby. Snorkelling is a safer (and cheaper) option.
Amusement parks are great, particularly if you’re entertaining an active toddler or child, but common sense should prevail when it comes to fast rides and waterslides. Forceful landings and sudden stops and starts won’t be good for you or your baby.
A warm bath or hydrotherapy pool is fine, so long as it’s not too hot. Give the hot tub and sauna a miss though, as overheating can be dangerous during pregnancy.
10. Relish the Attention
Try not to get embarrassed if you find people addressing your bump rather than your face when you’re on holiday. Pregnant women are the adored centre of attention, particularly in Mediterranean countries, and you’ll be treated extra-kindly.
If you really don’t like the spotlight, find out how other mums deal with strangers touching their bump.
In general though, try to enjoy the pampering while you’re away. Accept offered seats and opened doors, and don’t be afraid to enjoy offers of help.
Now that you’ve read our top tips for traveling while pregnant, you can decide where to go!
References :
- 7 Tips for Traveling While Pregnant : huffingtonpost.com/us-news-travel/7-tips-for-traveling-whil_b_3942710.html
- 10 top tips for pregnant travellers : babycentre.co.uk/a6977/10-top-tips-for-pregnant-travellers
- Images: travelclinic.vch.ca, babycenter.com
Article publié pour la première fois le 17/09/2015