Traveling during pregnancy , whether by car or by plane or train, has its own challenges; But with a little planning and consideration, you can travel safely .

In this article, we want to review the challenges of travel during pregnancy and provide solutions to address them.

It is not possible to comment definitively on travel during pregnancy. Doctors believe that each person should consult their specialist doctor according to their condition .

 “I usually do not allow my patients to travel after the 30th week , as the patient may be forced to give birth in inappropriate places and conditions with a doctor who has not seen them before, ” says Dr. Elizabeth Nye, a gynecologist at Chicago Hospital . “Slow.”

Caution is the condition of reason

• Be sure to use travel insurance. “During pregnancy, you can not predict what will happen at all; “So, it is better to be equipped and choose an insurance company that can compensate you even if the trip is canceled.”
• Before traveling, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor and ask his or her opinion about the trip.
• Be sure to bring your medical records and a sample of all your ultrasound results with you when you travel. Also , be sure to keep supplements , vitamins, and other medications you need in your handbag and by your side.
• Be sure to save your doctor’s phone number on your mobile phone.
• Bring the phone number and address of the obstetrician in the destination city.

---

---

Air travel during pregnancy

Dr. Kenneth Johnson, a obstetrician and professor at Nova Southeastern University, believes: “But common sense dictates that women who have high-risk pregnancies should not travel by plane, such as women who have twin pregnancies , high blood pressure , severe nausea , placenta previa, preterm labor and other pregnancy-related problems.”

---

---

Of course, most airlines only allow pregnant women to fly until one month before the due date.

“Air travel during pregnancy is not a barrier,” says Dr. Frank A. Chervenak, a gynecologist in New York. Only pregnant women should get up and walk every hour. It is important for everyone to try not to sit and walk on the plane constantly, because it improves blood circulation.

Pregnancy can lead to circulatory problems, and flying can increase the risk of fatal blood clots . Moving and walking keeps the blood circulating and prevents blood clots from forming. Some people who are prone to blood clots may need to wear special socks (varicose socks) that improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Select a seat on the plane

Choose an aisle seat so you can get up more easily without slipping in front of your armpits. Also, you can get to the bathroom faster. This is also recommended when traveling by bus.

Passing the airport checkpoint

“Don’t worry about passing through the airport inspection metal detector, because the radiation is not enough to harm you,” says Dr. Nye. In addition, lifting heavy loads during pregnancy is harmful; For this reason, carrying heavy loads at the airport is not recommended.

Eat and drink on air travel

Dr. Johnson also suggests that you drink caffeinated beverages before and during the trip ; Because air travel depletes the body of water. Too much fluid also eliminates false contractions during pregnancy.

In addition to drinks, pregnant women who want to travel by plane should have healthy snacks with them so that they do not go hungry if they cannot eat the plane.

Also, avoid bloating foods before and during the trip.

The best time for air traveling during pregnancy

The best time to fly in mid-pregnancy is between the fourteenth and twenty-eighth weeks, the second trimester. During this time, pregnant women regain their energy and morning sickness is almost gone. Keep in mind that most emergency problems occur in the first and last trimester of pregnancy; So it is better not to travel during this period.

---

---

Road trip during pregnancy

Many of the dangers and rules of air travel also apply to road travel. “The most important problem for traveling during pregnancy is blood clots,” says Dr. Nye. If you want to travel long distances by car, be sure to get off and walk every few hours.

 “If you have a blood clotting disorder, you may have to wear special socks to reduce the risk of clotting.” Leg exercise is also good for improving blood circulation. All you have to do is raise the soles of your feet and rotate your wrists.

Seat belts are extremely important in road travel and, of course, air travel. Place the upper part of the belt above the abdomen (as it passes through your breasts) and the lower part at the top of the thigh (as it passes over your buttocks). Keep your seat belt fast throughout the trip.

Sea voyage during pregnancy

Sea voyages may seem very relaxing during pregnancy; But if you have never traveled by ship, pregnancy is not a good time to try it at all. Why? This is because pregnant women often have nausea and boarding is likely to make their condition worse.

“We usually prescribe medication to control nausea during pregnancy, but I don’t think it’s worth traveling in such situations,” says Dr. Nye. In addition, there are usually reports of stomach viruses spreading to the vessel. 

These viruses can be very dangerous because they can threaten the health of your fetus. Dehydration and loss of electrolyte balance can lead to premature birth; So drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are nauseous or out. 

Some anti- diarrhea during pregnancy are safe. “Be sure to consult your doctor before traveling.”

---

---

Be prepared for traveling during pregnancy

In addition to how you travel during pregnancy, where you go and when you plan to travel during pregnancy is important. Late pregnancy is not a good time to go on long trips; Because the closer you are to the end of your pregnancy, the more likely you are to give birth and you may have to give birth in an inappropriate place.

It does not matter what means of transportation you travel with; It is important to follow all of the above and bring all the medicines , vitamins, and plenty of water and healthy foods with you.

 Of course, observing all these things also depends on the destination of your trip. If you are traveling to a city that has the necessary facilities, you may not need to be well equipped; But if you are traveling to an unknown village or place, you must be fully equipped.

Try not to eat in restaurants as much as possible. Be sure to use mineral water and industrial juices and drink pasteurized milk . Try to avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables as much as possible (unless they are peeled). Also make sure the meat, chicken and fish are fully cooked .

The last word for Traveling during pregnancy

In general, travel during pregnancy is not recommended, but it is not recommended; Unless you have a choice. By following the above tips and of course consulting your doctor, you can have a safe trip.

 Be careful to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have spotting , persistent headaches , spotting or any vision problems, severe swelling of the face or arm, diarrhea or vomiting , or if one of your legs is swollen more than the other.