🤰 Traveling during pregnancy: a complete guide

Every expectant mother cares and worries about her baby from the first day of pregnancy. But in such a situation, how can a woman relieve excess stress, reboot and be imbued with new positive emotions? When sleep and walks in the fresh air in familiar areas lose their former effectiveness, the best way to get a fresh dose of endorphins is to change the environment. And since pregnancy is not a disease, then the trip will be beneficial. I will tell you below how to plan a trip, taking into account all the features of the situation.

The first and most important thing to do is consult a gynecologist

The doctor accompanying the pregnancy will evaluate your condition. He will review all the necessary tests, do an ultrasound and select the necessary medications to take with him. And since pregnancy is not a contraindication, then why not go on a trip!

However, keep in mind: medications allowed in one country may be prohibited in another. Before filling your travel first aid kit, it is better to critically go through the list.

Where to relax?

Some people like to bask in the sun and swim like a dolphin through the waves. For others, there is nothing more healing than the silence of snow-capped mountains. Everyone has their own preferences. However, when choosing a place to travel, it is better for the expectant mother to avoid a sudden change in climate and time zone. Extreme hobbies should also be put aside. In addition, traveling to some countries will require specific vaccinations.

For example, for travelers to countries in Africa and South America, you need to obtain a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever no earlier than ten days before departure. For those traveling to the countries of South Asia and the Far East, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is recommended, for those traveling to Asia, Africa and India – against typhoid fever. It needs to be done in no more than a month.

You should also not spontaneously go to Vietnam, India, China, Thailand and the countries of South America. Vaccination against rabies, a common disease in these countries, is required one month before departure.

Before traveling, be sure to make sure you can quickly get medical help. It's also important to stay in touch with your doctor.

In addition, we take into account the cuisine of the host country. Although it is not uncommon for pregnant women to combine incompatible food items, it is better to postpone tasting exotic culinary masterpieces for another time. And don't forget about clean bottled water.

Who to go with?

Ideally, a pregnant woman should have someone next to her throughout the trip who will provide help and support in any situation. It is better not to take risks and not travel alone. If you are traveling with a noisy group, then immediately make sure there is a place where you can rest peacefully.  

What to ride?

Transport for travel is usually determined based on the selected point on the map. Let's figure out what the nuances are for each of them.

Car and bus

They are suitable for traveling short distances and only on the condition that the expectant mother will have the opportunity to stop to stretch her legs and go to the toilet.

House on wheels

An excellent option for those who want to plan their own route or abandon any plan altogether. The motorhome has everything you need for comfort – a bed, a bathroom, and the ability to prepare fresh food. However, when choosing this type of vacation, you need to think about the constant availability of cellular communications so that you can call for help. You also need to think about protection from the sun and insects in advance.

Train

Good because it allows you to lie down or walk if necessary. And the toilet is always at hand. It is better to book the bottom shelf. And don’t forget to take antibacterial products with you – wipes, hand gel.

A cruise ship

Those who decide to go on a cruise may not like the restrictions. You can get on the liner only in the 1st and 2nd Rome. And do not forget to bring with you a certificate that at the end of the trip the pregnancy period will not exceed 24 weeks.

And this is not surprising! After all, if something does not go according to plan, then delivering a woman to the hospital will literally turn into a rescue operation. Also, do not forget about the symptoms of seasickness. If you've never been on a cruise ship and there's no information on how badly you can get seasick, is it worth checking out now?

Airplane

The fastest and most comfortable form of transport, especially when traveling across the ocean. In addition, there is usually access to food, clean water and a toilet on board.

Each airline has its own requirements for pregnant women. In some, even a certificate is not required (for example, in Airfrance). In others, they will require a certificate in English, which the woman received no earlier than seven days before the departure date. In addition, there are time limits from 32 to 36 weeks (at Lufthansa, Airbaltic, Turkishairlines and others).

When is the best time to go?

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the most favorable period for traveling by plane is considered to be the period from 14 to 27 weeks, that is, the 2nd trimester.

In addition, you need to focus on the recommendations of your doctor and your health.

If the trip was planned, tickets were purchased in advance, and the pregnancy turned out to be a surprise, then you should notify your tour operator or carrier. This will help avoid refusal when boarding the vehicle.

What do you need with you?

• In addition to the standard documents and pregnancy certificate for any traveler, when traveling outside your country, you should take care of extended insurance. It will become a lifesaver at the slightest ailment.
• Comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes will brighten up long hours of sitting in place. And compression garments will help improve blood circulation.
• A special neck pillow will not be superfluous. Although, personally, I was never able to adapt to this.
• Skin moisturizers, eye drops, and saline nasal spray are a must-have when combating the effects of dry air on a plane.
• Of course, pregnancy progresses individually for all expectant mothers. Therefore, you should not expect that general recommendations or the experience of your friends will suit your situation. Remember that only relying on personal feelings and caring attitude towards yourself and your unborn baby will help you get maximum pleasure on every journey.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with life hacks that will make your flight more enjoyable.

Share your travel experience in an interesting position in the comments, how did it go for you?