Can you travel during pregnancy?
Is it safe for a pregnant woman to travel? Can you travel during the first trimester? These are some of the questions about travel during pregnancy. In this detailed guide, you will find answers to all your questions to have a safe, and stress-free trip.
Traveling during the first trimester
Even if there are no medical restrictions on traveling during the first months of pregnancy, we can’t deny that it might be physically staining for the expecting mom. Because of the hard pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, repeated vomiting, frequent urination, and feeling tired during the first trimester. All of these symptoms become more annoying during travel. Also, although traveling doesn’t cause miscarriage, it is hard to convince a woman who lost her pregnancy after a trip that traveling is not the cause. Which will add to the emotional strain of a miscarriage.
So before traveling in your first trimester, check with your doctor and make sure that your symptoms are manageable and won’t be very hard for you to travel. And that there are no medical restrictions against your travel during pregnancy.
Air travel during pregnancy
Pregnant women are more likely to travel during the second trimester when most pregnancy symptoms have subsided. However, traveling during the third trimester might be a little bit difficult. Most doctors don’t recommend traveling after the 36th week when your due date becomes closer. Fear of premature labor or any pregnancy-related complication such as preeclampsia, bleeding, or gestational hypertension.
Steps you need to take before you travel during pregnancy
1- Visit your doctor
Go see your OBGYN before you travel no matter the stage of your pregnancy. Have an ultrasound test, to make sure the baby is fine, and the placenta is in the right position. And ask your doctor to prescribe tests to make sure that it is safe for you to travel during pregnancy.
2- Call the airline
Airlines might ask for a medical certificate from your doctor stating which week of pregnancy you are in, especially if your belly is visible. Check with the airline to learn their travel procedures and requirements for pregnant women.
3- Get your medical records
Take a copy of your medical records containing all your tests, to be prepared for any medical emergency during your trip.
4- Review your insurance policy
Check with the insurance company whether they cover prenatal visits abroad or not. And if they cover the cost of delivery outside the country of your residence.
5- Stay nourished and hydrated
Pack healthy snacks in your handbag and take a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
6- Don’t forget to move
Blood clots are the number one risk for traveling during pregnancy, to avoid clots don’t sit for too long, get up and move whenever you have the chance.
7- Wear comfortable clothes
Wear loose-fit pregnancy clothes and comfortable shoes. Slippers are a better choice in case your feet swell.
Don’t travel during pregnancy in case of
- Bleeding
A bleeding however mild it may seem can be an indication of a more serious issue. Postpone your trip until you find the cause and have it treated.
- Severe abdominal pain
Abdominal pain may be the symptom of something futile such as indigestion and can be a sign of something more serious like preterm labor. Get clearance from your doctor if you are experiencing any abdominal pain.
- Swelling
A swollen face and extremities can be a sign of preeclampsia, if you are experiencing such a symptom visit your doctor before resuming your travel plans.
- Change in fetal movement
If you feel any change in fetal movement, postpone your trip, and visit your doctor to make sure the baby is fine.
- Severe headache
A headache during pregnancy might be a symptom of gestational hypertension or any other complication. Therefore you need to see your doctor and find the cause before you travel.
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