How to Travel Safely While Pregnant

You've been planning a vacation for months and suddenly find out that you're pregnant. Or you are five months into your pregnancy and it's that time of year you usually go on a vacation. Should you go? Most doctors would say yes, but there are a few things you should consider before you decide to go.

High or low risk pregnancy

Have you had a hard time with this pregnancy or have you been breezing through it? If you've experienced problems with your pregnancy from diabetes, bleeding, hypertension, excessive swelling or have had a history of miscarriage you should consult your physician before traveling.

Timing is everything

Consider what trimester you are in before leaping on a plane, ship or long car ride. The first trimester is generally filled with nausea and fatigue while the third trimester can be uncomfortable. Traveling usually means a lot of sitting and carrying heavy items like oversized purses and suitcases. This can cause swelling of the ankles and legs and pressure on your already tired back.

The second trimester is probably the best time for travel for most women. Usually the nausea is over and you haven't grown too large to maneuver around comfortably. If you have a choice of dates for your vacation, this would be a good time to plan it.

Most doctors will agree that the time to not travel is after 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this point it is best to stay home and near your health care professional.

Type of travel

If you are planning a car trip be sure to plan ahead to make it as comfortable as possible. Bring snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Stop for bathroom breaks as often as necessary and try to walk a few minutes each time to ensure healthy circulation in your legs. Most important of all, wear your seatbelt. Placing the bottom belt below your abdomen and across your hips will be more comfortable.

If you are traveling by airplane, check with the airlines first for their rules about pregnancies. While most doctors agree that air travel is safe until 36 weeks, airlines may have stricter rules. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and try to stretch or walk around at least every hour to decrease the risk of blood clots in your legs.

Taking a cruise can be relaxing and much easier than sitting in a car or on a plane. Like air travel, the cruise line may have restrictions on late-term pregnancies so be sure to check ahead. If you are prone to getting sea-sick this may not be the time to take a cruise. Being sick for several day can wear you down and not be good for the pregnancy. Also, confirm that there is a doctor on board during the trip in case of an emergency. Otherwise, a cruise is a good way to get away and still be able to enjoy light exercise and rest.

Healthcare Facilities

If you are going to another country or a remote area it is best to check ahead on the healthcare facilities available in the areas you are going to. Find out if your health insurance will cover you in these places as well. If you are not going to be in an area with trustworthy medical care you may want to reschedule your trip after your pregnancy.

Activities

Appropriate activities while on vacation will depend upon how late into the pregnancy you are. Walking, hiking, and swimming, all at moderate paces are acceptable. Sun-bathing for long periods of time may be dangerous if you become over-heated. This applies to hot tubs and saunas too. Over-heating your central core can cause damage to the fetus, so do these activities in moderation also.

Scuba diving should be avoided because of the water pressure changes. Water-skiing is also potentially harmful because water can be forced up into the cervix. Just use common sense when it comes to activities and you can still enjoy your vacation.

Immunizations

Some overseas travel requires special immunizations that can be harmful to the fetus. Live viral vaccines such as measles, mumps or rubella (MMR) should be avoided because of their risk to the baby. Live bacterial vaccines such as tetanus-diphtheria boosters or Immune Serum Globulin (ISG) for hepatitis A prevention can be safely administered during pregnancy. Some antibiotics such as Bactrim or Cipro that are used to treat diarrhea can be dangerous. Check with your doctor on all immunizations and medications before proceeding with them.

Traveling while pregnant can be an enjoyable experience if you plan ahead and take a few precautions. Do your homework, check with your doctor and enjoy your vacation.