Many new parents are very excited and fearful about the ways they are supposed to handle the pregnancy and what to do when the baby comes. They have to prepare for a whole new lifestyle to accommodate their newest member. Of course, this is a challenge but with good guidance, they can make it work. Parents that are used to traveling a lot can continue to do so even during pregnancy but beforehand the mother has to check in with the doctors and see if they give her the green light to travel.
Below you have some tips on how to best take care of yourself while embarking on a new travel road while you’re pregnant:
The Best Time to Travel:
It is not advised for a woman to travel in the final months of her gestation period, especially the third trimester. If you are traveling by air, you need to discuss possible complications with your doctor. You might have specific health conditions that expose you and(or) your baby to risks.
Typically, labor occurs after 37 weeks for a single baby or earlier if you are carrying twins and most airlines will not let you fly towards the end of your gestation period. Check for the airline’s policy to avoid any surprises. Some airlines require letters from medical personnel confirming your due date to help avoid complications like blood clots.
Your Expected Due Date:
It is essential to know your expected due date before traveling. It helps you plan your travel itinerary and you can use a due date calculator to find out the estimated delivery date. The calculator uses a simple formula to calculate the date. First, you need to know the date of your menstrual period. Then, you count three months backward. Lastly, you will add a year and seven days to the back date and you have the estimated delivery date. Note that this date is not accurate. You can add two weeks before and after the estimated date to get an estimated period which is even more accurate. If you find it difficult to calculate your EDD or you need a second opinion, feel free to speak to your doctor.
Essential Vaccination:
Before you travel, visit the hospital to get all the travel vaccinations you need. Because of the risks to the baby in your womb, a vaccine that uses live bacteria or a virus is usually not recommended for pregnant women. Nevertheless, some travel vaccines might be considered okay when the risk of infection is higher than the dangers of taking a live vaccination. Ask your medical doctor for advice about vaccinations. They may recommend non-live vaccines.
Travel Risks:
From premature labor to pregnancy complications, there are several risks that can affect pregnant women during travels. You can reduce the possibility of this risk by traveling before your third trimester. However, it is best if you know these risks and learns how to avoid or mitigate them.
It is not advisable to travel internationally if you are older than 35, younger than 15, or expecting a twin. Medical complications like bleeding or miscarriage can occur as a result of underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia which makes traveling unsafe.
Some risks, such as blood clots, are also a major concern. This can result from sitting down for long periods and cabin pressure or low humidity can increase your risks. If you need to travel, consult your doctor. They can help you create a list of things to eat, drink, and do to stay safe.
Stay Hydrated:
There is a correlation between dehydration in the human body and uterine contractions. The intake of sufficient water will prevent dehydration in the course of air travel. Doctors recommend that pregnant women should drink about ten cups of water daily. This supports your digestion, amniotic fluid formation, and the circulation of nutrients in the body. You should have the right medications and supplements that you require to manage your pregnancy. There are a lot of great resorts you can go to as a couple that will accommodate you according to your needs.
When you are pregnant and have determined that you are within the duration of time that you can travel, observe all protocols as set by a qualified medical doctor. Get your medications and supplements as needed for your trip. Knowing all of these will help assure your safety and the safe delivery of your baby.
As you can see there are a few precautions that you have to take and tips to keep in mind. But if you follow these guidelines and the advice of your doctors then it won’t be a trouble at all to travel while pregnant and you will surely make it an unforgettable experience.
