Pregnancy and travel

Check out our tips for traveling with peace of mind even with your big belly!
During the nine months of pregnancy, there is no reason to waive a particular trip.
Pregnancy is indeed not a pathological condition and if the mother feels good and if the fetus does not present particular problems of development, travel is quite possible by taking all logic a number of precautions to well-being of all provision, which will also depend on the progress of pregnancy.

Medical opinion adverse to any movement by car or another conveyance may also be given by the obstetrician, the midwife or doctor. This medical opinion must be scrupulously respected.

Precautions before leaving
During the first quarter, it is important that the expectant mother to follow her instincts and decides itself if it wants to go or not. Nausea, extreme fatigue can be factors that require rest. It is then better to postpone the trip until later, when the pregnant woman has regained more appetite and strength.

Auscultation by the gynecologist is anyway advisable before making a long car trip or whatever.

The doctor's opinion will also reassure the mother about the evolution of pregnancy and thus fully enjoy their stay.

Once the green light from your doctor in your pocket, think about the preparation: planning for a comfortable journey. Avoid elastic bands that you squeeze the belly ... choose shoes light and flexible.

If you need to do several hours' drive, made the trip in stages by providing rest stops every hour (you will anyway probably compelled to frequent stops for bathroom breaks!). Stretch your legs by walking a little, and take the air.

Remember to take a water bottle, and if you do not drive, sit back (take a cushion).


The choice of destination
Expectant mothers can afford a vacation to the sea, the mountains in the country .... The important thing is, however, not gone beyond 2500 meters to avoid running out of oxygen.

Avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest and carefully protect your skin with a sunscreen with a high index or sun block. You should know that during pregnancy, the skin is fragile, more sensitive, it is more responsive to external aggression and should therefore be protected.

If you're in the sea or other body of water, take the opportunity to swim or walk the waterfront, it is excellent for blood circulation and make you the best.

Distant destinations in countries known risk in health terms, must be preceded by a visit to your doctor, who will advise you of any diseases (e.g. malaria with no medication provides protection to 100% and can be fatal for the baby), who will verify your vaccinations ...

The means of transport for pregnant women
No special restrictions on means of transport that can be used in pregnant women: car, train, boat, airplane ...

Automotive:
The pregnant woman can drive but must be particularly careful, especially in late pregnancy. The protrusion of the abdomen may also be a hindrance to the conduct, and in particular, the problem arises from the seat belt during the last weeks of pregnancy.

The belt is anyway essential: it must pass below the belly and above without being too tight to ensure the safety of the mother in case of impact.

Frequent stops will be made during the trip due to a stop every hour to allow the mother to relax, walk a little and stay hydrated.

Train, boat:
Such transport has advantages compared to the car since the mother could move freely during the journey and will not fatigue and stress of driving.

The train is probably the ideal means of transportation for a long drive that pregnant women should perform alone. The possibility of traveling in a sleeper or cabin on a boat is also desirable for a very extensive journey.

The aircraft:
The aircraft is undoubtedly the most secure and convenient for medium and long distances. Insofar as the cabin of the airplane is properly pressurized, the air pressure is normal and does not constitute a risk to the mother and fetus although no indication-cons, air travel should always be preceded by a visit to her gynecologist or doctor for medical advice.

Before booking the ticket, should check with the travel agent or airline for the settlement of pregnant women. Indeed, companies apply restrictions, which are variable. It is usually possible to travel until the 36th week of pregnancy.

The airline is also entitled to request a medical certificate indicating the stage of pregnancy.

Once aboard the plane, seat belts must be worn, which can sometimes be tedious!

It is advisable to raise the legs and travel frequently within the aircraft to avoid cramps and swollen legs.

In anticipation of that, book an aisle seat so you can get up and stretch your legs frequently.

On the plane, the air is dry, and expectant mothers should ensure regular hydration by drinking water or fruit juice.




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