It's Thanksgiving and I'm Pregnant: Can I Travel?

As many people around the United States plan to get together for the Thanksgiving holiday it often leaves pregnant women wondering if it is safe for them to travel to get together with their own family and friends. Here is a look at what experts have to save about pregnant women traveling and some tips for making the travels easier.

Most experts agree that as long as there are no special conditions or problems with the pregnancy that traveling is okay for most pregnant women. There are certain cases such as if the woman is on bed rest or if she has had a rough pregnancy with complications that the doctor or midwife would recommend staying at home. Some women who have made it past their 36th week are encouraged to stay closer to home due to the fact that they may go into labor soon. In this case doctors and midwives will usually leave it up to the pregnant woman and just give them some special advice if they do choose to go and by chance they end up going into labor.

The second trimester is usually the best time for pregnant women to travel. Most pregnant woman have gotten past the worst part of the first trimester where they are tired and suffering from morning sickness and are not so close to their delivery date.

For those pregnant women who do choose to travel during Thanksgiving here are some tips to help make the trip easier. When traveling by car it is important to wear comfortable clothing and always wear ones' seat belt. Sadly there are many car accidents around the Thanksgiving holiday due to the amount of travelers out on the road. As comfort and safety are the most important keys to traveling by car during the Thanksgiving holiday, pregnant women should also be sure to stop as often as they need to to use the restroom, stretch their legs out or get something to eat. Pregnant women should also be sure to bring along plenty of water to ensure that they stay hydrated during the drive. When traveling by bus the same rules apply. Pregnant women should be sure to plan accordingly and pack light snacks and bottles of water to ensure they are comfortable.

Traveling by airplane is considered just as safe as car travels and while in most cases it is faster, pregnant women will still want to take special precautions. Pregnant women can request an aisle seat to provide more room and easier access to the restroom. If getting up to go to the restroom or stretch ones' legs, one should always be sure to have good balance and grab onto the back of the seats if necessary.

Lastly pregnant women should be sure to always have their doctor or midwives number accessible to them in case of an emergency or if they have any questions. By following these tips pregnant women will have safer, easier travels and get to their family and friends safely to enjoy Thanksgiving.

Sources Cited: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/travel.html