Travel During Pregnancy

Just because you are pregnant, doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the experience of travelling to an exotic foreign country, laying out on the beach and soaking up the sunshine. You and your baby deserve this opportunity as much as the next person... maybe even more. Below, we have extracted information for expecting mothers to be wary of when planning your next trip. Sourced from www.nhs.uk:

With the proper precautions, and armed with information on when to travel, vaccinations and travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you require urgent medical attention. It’s a good idea to take your medical records with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary. You can find out more about getting healthcare abroad.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first three months, whether you're travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between four and six months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying is not harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The likelihood of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks (around 34 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines will not let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you aren't at risk of complications.

Long-distance travel (longer than five hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of support stockings in the pharmacy over the counter, which will reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Vaccines are not recommended because of concerns that the virus or bacteria in the jab could harm the baby in the womb. You are generally advised to avoid travelling to countries where immunisation is required.

"However, if you must travel to areas requiring inoculation, you should get your jabs," says Sarah. "The risk of catching an infectious disease far outweighs the risk from vaccination.”

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so consult your GP for advice.

Car travel in pregnancy

Fatigue and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it’s important on car journeys to drink regularly, eat natural, energy-giving foods (such as fruit and nuts) and stop regularly for a break.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. Avoid making long trips on your own and share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks). Check the ferry company's policy before you book. For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and if there are medical services at the docking ports.

Foreign food and drink risks in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea (TD). Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and traveller's diarrhoea aren’t suitable during pregnancy.

Photo originally from www.onlymyhealth.com