The trip is planned, its paid for and NOW you see a tiny plus sign that is going to rock the world out of orbit.
So, what now?
The doctors and experts say to avoid travel by sea beyond 20 weeks (in fact most cruise-lines prohibit it and WILL require documentation), by air beyond 36 weeks, and by car.... well, know nearby hospitals and bathrooms BUT all say to go! Travel is good for the soul!
Take it from me, a fellow mom (of many littles), never again will it be so easy to vacation with your baby, so don't have reservations about making travel reservations. As long as your DOCTOR deems you safe to travel, pack those bags! Chances are, your vacation plans will be green-lighted, since travel is rarely restricted during pregnancy.
Once you've been cleared for takeoff, you'll need to do a bit of planning to ensure a safe and comfortable voyage, whether it's for business or "Babymoon".
I was clearly blessed with very few pregnancy symptoms, but MOST to-be-Moms are not. The little bugger may be causing a more than typical active bladder, nausea (weather constant or intermittent) and even leg cramping or sore feet (my only symptom). These can all make the journey a bit more challenging than usual.
Of course there are ways to make the trip a bit easier... Use these tried-and-true tactics to make pregnancy travel less stressful and easier.
Timing is everything!
Travel during the second trimester. During the first trimester, you may feel too nauseated and tired to withstand long trips or enjoy yourself once you get where you’re going). And during the third trimester, your health-care provider may advise against traveling altogether especially if you are placed in the "high-risk" category. If you’re having a healthy pregnancy with no complications, though, there’s no reason you can’t travel up until the month before your due date.
Be sure to mention your due date to your travel agent. He or she can advise on any special regulations regarding pregnant women. If you are planning on traveling in the last trimester, your agent will let you know the restrictions, or let you know what is necessary in order to board a plane.
Wanderlust is STRONG, but destination matters too!
A hot, humid climate may be hard for your NEW metabolism to handle. If you DO opt for tropical, request resorts with air conditioning, and constant hydration. Lots of shade or umbrellas are a good idea too. Your travel agent may advise against certain resorts (those without complete water filtration), countries requiring additional vaccinations, areas of potential infections (mosquito-borne illness) or high altitudes.
While traveling pregnant, its important to remember to relax. While you may have typical vacationed go-go-go, now is the time to move slow. A single destination beats a whirlwind tour that takes you to six cities in six days. A trip that lets you and your pregnant body set the pace is a lot better than one that's set by a group tour guide. A few hours of sightseeing, shopping or meetings should be alternated with time spent with your feet up.
A travel agent nearly always suggests vacation insurance, and while you may have turned up your nose to the option before, serious consideration should be used when purchasing insurance while traveling pregnant. You should sign up for reliable travel insurance in case a pregnancy complication requires you to change your plans. ....AND consider medical evacuation insurance if you're traveling abroad, in case you need to return home quickly under medical supervision. Medical travel insurance may also be useful if your regular insurance plan does not include foreign medical care; be sure to check your policy ahead of time.
While we are thinking medicine, if you're traveling far, have the name of a local ob-gyn handy, just in case. If you're traveling abroad, contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, which can provide you with a directory of English-speaking physicians throughout the world. Your travel agent and some major hotel chains can also provide you with this kind of info. If you have medical travel insurance, there should be a number to call for help.
Always be prepared!
Pack a pregnancy kit, carefully select your seat, keep it moving and stay hydrated. Its always good to be prepared! Make sure you have extra prenatal vitamins on hand, sea-band to ward off motion sickness, compression socks, comfortable shoes and baby-safe medications. On flights, request a seat in the bulkhead, and always opt for the aisle spot to make frequent bathroom trips easier on you and your seatmate. If your seat is not reserved, ask for pre-boarding (its typically allowed for those with medical issues, needing assistance or traveling with small children). If you’re driving, sit in the front to lessen your chances of experiencing motion sickness. Pregnant women are at higher risk for developing blood clots, so it’s important to avoid sitting still for long periods of time. Wear loose clothes and keep the blood flowing in your legs.
Whether you’re flying or driving, take breaks to get up, walk around and stretch every half hour or so. And even while you’re seated, flex and point your toes as often as you can. Remember, any movement counts. Staying hydrated can help prevent swelling of your hands, legs and feet as well as help prevent blood clots. What's more, dehydration sets you up for jet lag symptoms like fatigue.
If you've always been healthy, GREAT! If you haven't there's no time like the present! Have fun eating while you're away (you're on vacation!), but also try to eat regularly and well. While you’re probably not feeling so nauseous if you’re in your second trimester, you still might get queasier from pregnancy travel. Combat them by eating small amounts frequently throughout the day. Whole-wheat crackers, pasteurized cheese sticks, fruit (dried or fresh), veggies, seeds and nuts, yogurt, granola bars and whole-grain cereals are all healthy and carry-on friendly. Avoid eating fried or spicy foods on the day of travel, or possibly throughout the trip. Since changes in schedule can compound constipation problems, make sure you get plenty of the three most effective constipation fighters: fiber, fluids and exercise. Don't encourage a UTI or constipation by postponing trips to the bathroom. Go as soon as you feel the urge and can find a toilet.
Its in the details!
I nearly always forget the little things that can make me comfortable. If you’re driving, tuck the bottom strap of the seat belt under your baby bump for comfort and keep the top strap off to the side of your belly but across the center of your chest, where it would normally lay. If you’re on a plane and the belt doesn't fit, ask an attendant for a seat-belt extender. Don’t be shy or embarrassed — remember, you’re protecting yourself and your baby. Use a rolling suitcase so you don’t have to lift heavy luggage. If you don’t already have a bag with wheels, pregnancy is a great excuse to buy one. Ask your partner or a flight attendant for help putting your belongings in the overhead bin or car trunk, and don’t be embarrassed to request wheelchair or electric-cart assistance in the airport if you’re feeling tired or you’re rushing to make a connection.
