Travel during pregnancy

Can I travel during my ninth month of pregnancy?

Travel during pregnancy
It is generally safe to travel at all times during your pregnancy as long as there are no identified complications or concerns. Some doctors do not want you to travel during the third trimester. You should reconsider your travel plans if you are high-risk or have been experiencing complications. The best time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester. Usually you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of pregnancy when you are more easily fatigued. The main concern while traveling is access to medical care, should it be needed.

Land Travel
Whether you are traveling by car, bus, or train, it is normally safe to travel while you are pregnant. There are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.

It is necessary to buckle up every time you ride in a car. Make sure that you use both the lap and shoulder belts for the best protection of you and your baby.
Try to locate hospitals along your route in case you need medical attention.
Keep the air bags turned on. The safety benefits of the air bag outweigh any potential risk to you and your baby.
Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small bathrooms. If you choose to ride by bus, it can be more challenging. The safest thing is to remain seated while the bus is moving. If you must use the restroom, make sure to hold on to the rail or seats to keep your balance.
Trains generally have more room to move around on and walk. The bathrooms are usually small making the restroom more uncomfortable. Make sure that you hold on to rails or seat backs while the train is moving.
Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours.
Stop and walk every few hours if at all possible.
Make sure that you are drinking water while traveling. Bottled water is best.

Air Travel
It is safe to travel by air during your pregnancy. Check with your airline and see what the policy is for pregnant travelers.

Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your healthcare provider.
Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence that could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seat backs while walking down the aisle.
You may want to choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up easier to reach the restroom or just to stretch your legs and back.
Keep your air travels on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you must ride in smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.

Sea Travel
Traveling by sea is generally safe for women while they are pregnant. The motion of the boat may accentuate any morning sickness or make you feel nauseous all over again. Make sure that you check with the cruise line on any policies regarding pregnant travelers.

Check with the cruise line to ensure that there is a healthcare provider on board in case there are any complications.
Review the route and port-of-calls to identify if there is access to any medical facilities if needed.
Make sure any medications for seasickness are approved for women who are pregnant and that there is no risk to the developing baby.
Seasickness bands use acupressure to help prevent upset stomach and may be a good alternative to medication.

Foreign Travel
Traveling overseas has the same considerations that local or domestic travel has. Because of the heightened risks involved, international travel also has additional concerns that you need to know about.

It is important to talk with your health care provider before you take a trip internationally to discuss safety factors for you and your baby.
Discuss immunizations with your health care provider and carry a copy of your health records with you.
You may be exposed to a disease that is rare here in western countries, but is common in the country you visit during international travel.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 311-3435 or visit their website at www.cdc.gov to receive safety information along with immunization facts related to your travels.
Diarrhea is a common concern when traveling overseas because you are not used to the germs and organisms found in the food and water of other countries. This can lead to a problem of dehydration. Here are some tips to avoid diarrhea and help keep you safe:
- Drink plenty of bottled water- do not drink the tap water
- Used canned juices or soft drinks as alternatives
- Make sure the milk is pasteurized
- Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana)
- Make certain that all meat and fish has been cooked completely; if you are unsure, do not eat it

Making the best of your trip

Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes
Take your favorite pillow
Plan for plenty of rest stops, bathroom breaks and stretches
Carry snack foods with you
Make sure that you take all prescriptions and your prenatal vitamins
If you are traveling a further distance, make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records
Wear your seatbelt and take other safety measures

Enjoy the trip!

Comments: Travel during pregnancy

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samojo - 1006 days ago.
Air travel... I was just wondering about travelling. We're having a strategy/planning meeting at a place that's about a two-hour plane trip from where I stay. I was wondering if it was safe (we're going just after my 12 week mark, I'm 7 weeks now) and I have chronic high blood pressure. Also, I'm not ready to tell people at work yet, but it seems that I have to let them know now that I'm pregnant because they require medical information on my travel profile-they ask for any existing medical conditions(eek) Let me know what you think.