Here are some useful Articles


Tips For Traveling While Pregnant

by Fiona Lohrenz

With proper planning and advice, travel during pregnancy is not a problem. To ensure that you and your baby remain healthy during travel, you need to consider the stage of your pregnancy, your current physical condition, and any restrictions or problems you and your doctor have discussed.

Also, talk to your doctor about visits or tests you need to schedule, so that you are not away during the time these are to take place. Prenatal visits, scheduled ultrasound tests, glucose screening tests or Rh immunoglobulin injections (for those whose blood type is Rh negative).

Assuming your doctor says it is OK for you to travel, be sure you prepare a complete list of contact names and phone numbers to take with you. Using this list other travelers or health care professionals can be guided should you encounter any pregnancy related health problems.

This information should include: %u2022 Personal information, your medications, insurance details and blood type. List also what immunizations you have had, when your last prenatal visit occurred, your due date and any allergies you have %u2022 Your doctor's name and contact information %u2022 Names and telephone numbers for a family emergency contact %u2022 Any doctor's name and phone number you may be using while you are away from home

Be sure you have ample supply of prescription and over the counter medications, and prenatal vitamins. Make certain that your health insurance policy covers pregnancy, delivery and other complications during travel and be sure to double check any restrictions that may apply to travel in foreign countries.

Your pregnancy could involve unforeseen health issues that may necessitate altering travel plans or could add extra expenses so make sure your travel insurance will cover these. Included in this cover should be any pregnancy and emergency transportation. Ensure you bring a cell phone and make any alterations required so it will work in all countries on your itinerary.

You can plan normal activities while you are traveling, but understand that you are likely to get tired more quickly when you are pregnant, so plan for extra rest during each travel day. Take advantage of the facilities and relax on the beach, get room service or watch a pay per view movie in your room. Eating healthy is important, and your schedule is likely to be different on the road, so take nuts, dry fruit, and cheese and crackers with you. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration, especially if you are flying to your destination.

Toileting is an important factor to consider. As an expectant mother, you are likely to need to use the bathroom often. Try to plan trips and activities that are close to bathrooms. And plan extra time for 'pit stops' if you are traveling by car. Plane travel means long periods of sitting so feet and legs will probably swell. Wear comfortable, expandable shoes and socks and elevate your feet whenever possible. Grab every opportunity to get up and walk around and use any pit stops to get some exercise in.

Discuss any necessary vaccines required for foreign trips with your doctor and ensure they are safe for you during your pregnancy. Varicella for measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox is a live vaccine and should be avoided. Information on these vaccines are limited and so they should be considered a risk even though the Centers for Disease Control report no fetal damage from live vaccines. Pregnant women at risk from getting Hepatitis B, tetanus and Hepatitis A should be vaccinated as these vaccines are considered safe.

There may be challenges obtaining quality water, food and healthcare in some developing countries. When pregnant you should try to avoid traveling to such regions. Yeast infections can be brought on in hot, humid areas so avoid same by wearing cotton undergarments and loose, lightweight clothes. Wet swimming suits should be removed as soon as possible and it might be an idea to suggest bringing some anti-fungal cream to your doctor.

Avoid risky activities, especially late in pregnancy: snow skiing, water skiing, surfing, horseback riding, parasailing, scuba diving, water slides and some more extreme amusement park rides. You may also wish to avoid very hot saunas and hot tubs, as they elevate your temperature beyond what is normal in a regular bath. You can walk and hike at low altitudes, swim in calm waters (not in heavy surf or rapids), ride a stationary or regular bike, exercise in the hotel gym (if you have been used to exercising before and during your pregnancy) and jog if you jogged before pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your planned activities before you leave for travel or vacation.

Box clever. Don't be afraid to take a rest if you feel you are overdoing it and feel dizzy, tired or overheated. Indigestion and bloating can be a huge problem when traveling due to changes in diet and eating patterns. Eat little and often. Never eat just before turning in allowing at least 2 hours for digestion. Prop yourself up on pillows in bed. Foods to avoid include spicy, chocolate, acidic foods, fruits and liquids, alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks such as pop. Keeping active will help keep things moving in your digestive region and fill up on high fiber foods to alleviate constipation etc.

Sitting in the front of the car and keeping the window open for fresh air will help with motion sickness. If traveling on a ship try to stay on deck focusing on the horizon and sit over the wing on an airplane. Acupuncture, pressure point bracelets are available to be worn on the wrist. Motion sickness and pregnancy morning sickness can be alleviated by these devices.

If you follow these suggestions, you should have a pleasant and healthy trip. Listen to your doctor and if they recommend that you don't travel..don't. It is best to put off the trip for another time after the baby is born, rather than to risk your health and the health of your unborn child!

HealthyPregnancys.com is your one stop shop for a safe and healthy pregnancyPregnancy

Published July 28th, 2008

Filed in Health