Image: Shutterstock
Traveling during pregnancy raises a lot of questions and concerns for women especially if it is the first time that they are traveling while pregnant. And it can be overwhelming to explore a new city when you are with a baby bump. So to make travel a little more fun and easy for you, we break out the simple dos and don’ts that will help you approach this new adventure with your unborn jetsetter in a calm and safe way.
1. Get The Thumbs Up From Your OBGYN To Travel
Image: Shutterstock
The first and most important thing to do before planning to travel is to contact your doctor. Discuss your travel plans with them. Talk about the length of your travel; whether you are traveling by road or air, and if someone will be accompanying you on this trip. Your doctor will give you the OK unless you are suffering from any pregnancy complications or conditions that put your pregnancy at high risk. Also, don’t forget to get medical clearance from your doctor since most airlines won’t let you board without one. Your doctor knows best, so don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or queries that you have regarding your travel plans.
2. Think Before Diving Into New Activities
Image: Shutterstock
Though it seems like a no-brainer, sometimes we tend to get caught up in all the fun that we forget to assess the risks of certain activities. It is always best to consider the risk factors and maybe discuss with your doctor first before saying yes to deep-sea diving or going down a water slide.
3. Stay Hydrated
Image: Shutterstock
We cannot stress enough about the importance of hydration during pregnancy. It is easy to lose yourself in a new city and forget to take care of your health while traveling. But your body will thank you later if you remember to drink enough water while on vacation. Set a reminder alarm on your phone if you are worried about being dehydrated. Along with hydration, make a point to empty your bladder whenever you feel the urge to pee. Look for the nearest loo and empty your bladder frequently no matter where you are. If you are worried about catching any infections by using a public toilet, try squatting while peeing. Or make sure you choose a place where you have access to clean toilets.
4. Invest In A Preggo-Friendly Travel Gear
Image: Shutterstock
Buying the right kind of travel accessory makes a lot of difference especially when you are pregnant. Choosing the right kind of bag whether it is a backpack, duffel or roller bag depends on how you are traveling. Also, pack light if you can so that moving around becomes a lot more easier. While packing, make a list of all the essentials so that you don’t leave anything behind. Another important thing to keep in mind is to never be shy to ask for help. Whether you are in your second trimester or third, and even if your belly doesn’t show, always ask for help if you need it.
5. Carry Snacks
Image: Shutterstock
We know it would be silly if a pregnant woman doesn’t carry any snacks for her flight or car ride. Pregnancy makes you more hungry, so pack some healthy snacks everywhere you go so that you can sustain yourself for a longer time. Pack snacks that are healthy, nutritious and have a little bit of protein in it. Dry fruits, almonds, and crackers make great snacks while you are on the go.
6. Be Careful Of What You Eat
Image: Shutterstock
You might get the urge to eat from a local street food vendor when you are in a new place. And let’s not forget they are undeniably delicious and cheap. But unless you are planning to spend the rest of your vacation throwing up on the bathroom floor, it is best to stay away from street foods. And since it’s not just your life who is at stake anymore, eat from a good restaurant that adheres to the health and hygiene guidelines.
It is easy to get paranoid with all the concerns about pregnancy and traveling. But remember that you are not the first person to do it and probably won’t be the last. Millions of pregnant women travel every day and with great success. Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions and take care of your health, and everything else will be fine.
