Travel Precautions in Pregnancy
The holidays are often accompanied by celebrating with friends and family that don’t always live so close. If you find yourself pregnant and traveling this time of year- whether by train, plane or automobile– we’ve got tips to make your travels all the more comfortable and safe. These tips are applicable for any travel during pregnancy-but with the winter months among us, I’ve added in some extra precautions to ward off the dreaded viruses this time of year.
The itinerary
Like any good trip, an itinerary of when and where are important details to sort out prior to setting any plans in place. General guidelines for travel in pregnancy permit traveling up until 36 weeks of pregnancy, however the specifics of your personal history, current pregnancy, or details of your trip may cause you and your care team to come to another conclusion. If you plan to travel by plane or ship, having a documented letter from your provider stating your due date, permission to fly/sail, and number to reach your office is generally a good idea to avoid any hiccups in the flying or boarding process.
If your plans include international travel, it’s a good idea to ensure that as a pregnant individual, there aren’t any vaccinations or extra precautions that need to be taken for that specific destination. This is a conversation that can be had with your provider prior to your travel as it’s a great idea to be seen before an international trip to ensure there are no health reasons to keep you from going. Gathering your health records at this visit is also recommended should you need them at any point in your travels. Registering with an American embassy or consulate in the country you visit may be helpful in the case of finding medical care incase of an emergency. Lastly, calling your insurance company to inquire about international health coverage is another proactive step in these specific circumstances.
Buckle up, even if it’s not going to be a bumpy ride.
Despite your mode of travel, wearing a seatbelt is an important step for you and your baby’s safety. Wearing a seatbelt low across the hips and below your belly is best. For more details, watch this video. Wearing comfortable clothing is also important to reduce restriction of any limbs. Taking frequent bathroom breaks to stretch and empty your bladder is helpful in decreasing the risk of urinary tract infections as well as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that can form more easily in pregnancy from staying stagnant for long periods of time. Hydrating well with water (100-120 ounces) can help to keep you hydrated among dehydrating circumstances and will also ensure you are taking adequate bathroom breaks. One of the more common complaints of pregnancy travel is constipation. This can be combated with adequate water intake, a magnesium supplement, and also fiber rich foods that aren’t always available on the go. Taking time to pack snacks from home such as nuts and fruit can be incredibly helpful in preventing this phenomenon. Finally, booking yourself an aisle seat for plane rides and planning your pit stops on car rides can help make all these tips easier to fulfill.
Grab all the souvenirs, just none of the germs
The easiest way to ruin a good trip is to get sick while on it! This time of year is particularly difficult with the flu, strep, and other viruses seemingly all around us. These precautions are helpful for year round travel as our immune systems are compromised in pregnancy and can catch illness more easily whether in or out of winter months. The best way to ward off germs is with diligent hand washing with soap and water. Unfortunately, this might not always be available to you so carrying hand sanitizer with you is a great substitute. Strengthening your immune system with adequate sleep, daily movement and great nutrition are also helpful. Two supplements that can help boost the immune system and fight viruses include vitamin C and zinc. These nutrients may be in your prenatal and if so, may not be needed in addition. Generally speaking, 10-12mg of Zinc and 85mg of Vitamin C per day are the recommended amounts during pregnancy. Vitamin C, however, is water soluble meaning if too much is consumed, excess will be excreted through the urine.
Whether you find yourself traveling for the holidays, birthdays, or a babymoon, I hope you find this post helpful in your preparation. Included below are my favorite travel products perfect for pregnancy.
As an important reminder, ensure your careteam knows of your travels as they may have specific recommendations for you given your personal pregnancy history.
Enjoy your adventures!
Skyler
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