Your pregnancy doesn’t have to leave you home bound, even during a pandemic it is definitely possible to get out and travel.
Traveling while pregnant doesn’t have to be difficult, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
The perks of seeing the world, staying safe, enjoying your own company and the company of other amazing people, can be exactly what you need to help overcome the moments of stress that you may experience throughout your pregnancy.
As a women that loved to travel while being pregnant, I had to learn balance as well as safety precautions- especially because of COVID19.
Whether you read this post during or after the pandemic, these 5 tips will help assist you no matter how or when you plan to travel.
1. Traveling while pregnant: Know Before You Go
What stage of your pregnancy are you in? Whether it is your first, second or third trimester it is essential to know the risk facts that come with traveling depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and how your pregnancy is progressing.
If you and your baby are both healthy there are a few guidelines to know before traveling while pregnant:
- Your second trimester is your best friend! Mid pregnancy is when you finally get your energy back. Your nausea is finally becoming a thing of the past and your still able to get around without the dreaded fear of going into labor while on vaca.
- When traveling don't forget to bring anti-nausea and your prenatal's. You never get a day off from your pregnancy vitamins.Make sure that they are packed and ready to go on a vaca with you.
- Consider how far you will be from a hospital. During my babymoon, I had no idea that I would end up needing hospital assistance. Luckily we were only 4 minutes from the hospital and could gain the peace of mind we needed pretty quickly.
- Always consult your midwife , OB or Dr before doing any trips. Whether they are long or short haul, it's always good to let your medical provider know that you will be out of town and get specific advice on how you can stay safe throughout your travels.
2. Traveling while pregnant: Consider the best mode of transportation
Throughout pregnancy, it is said the the best mode of travel is the fastest mode of travel (depending on where you are in your pregnancy).
During pregnancy you are at a higher risk of blood clots when you sit for long periods of time. Consider how you can travel effectively and quickly.
Whether it is by air craft or driving, here are a few factors to consider when booking your trip.
- How far are your traveling and what necessary steps would you need to take to ensure you are staying mobile throughout your travels. If you are flying, remember to walk the aisles at least twice if the flight is any more than 45 minutes. If you are driving or traveling by coach or RV, depending on how far you are in your pregnancy, consider stopping every hour and half for a 2-5 minute walk.
- Is it possible to keep your legs elevated? Elevating your legs in both long and short haul trips can assist with preventing unwanted swelling as you travel.
- How far along are you in your pregnancy? Is it safe to travel outside of your state and are there options within your state that would better accommodate your stage of pregnancy?
3.Traveling while pregnant: Ready yourself against germs
In a world of COVID-19, as pregnant women and mothers, we have had to become even more conscious of germs more than ever before.
I was always one to take precautions on planes but I’ve definitely been one to step up my level of cleanliness when traveling. Especially on planes, and other forms of public transport.
The best way to travel when traveling and being pregnant, is making sure you pack hand sanitizer and wipe down surfaces such as arm rests and table trays.
Wearing a mask can be uncomfortable but wearing a mask can definitely help protect you against colds and other potential germs.
I’ve been pregnant throughout COVID-19, and I always worked to avoid flying or any other forms of transportation that would put me at risk of getting sick. I did one major long-haul flight in my pregnancy. I was 20 weeks pregnant and was consider a “low risk pregnancy”, but as an asthmatic I still took all precautions to make sure I was safe. I looked crazy on my flight and had on a mask, surgical gloves and long sleeves with sweat pants.
I made sure I was covered from head to toe to prevent any thing touching me-extra? Definitely! But It also felt very necessary.
Never feel embarrassed or weird about going the extra mile to protect yourself and your baby.
4. Traveling while pregnant: Relax and take your time
You might find your traveling pace is slower than normal, but that’s to be expected – fatigue is common at any stage of pregnancy.
Consider booking a prenatal massage at your final destination to thank your body for its hard work. And do your best to take it easy – after all, you’re carrying precious cargo!
5. Traveling while pregnant: Travel comfy & pack snacks
Comfort during pregnancy is another one your best friend.
I always wondered if it was possible to be cute, pregnant and comfortable and it is definitely possible!
Depending on how far you are in your pregnancy it can be hard to really find comfort in how you travel and an outfit that works with where you are traveling to.
Bare in mind that you can always change when you get to your destination! Comfort is the ideal look for a long distance and even some short distance trips.
Same with snacks. You want to make sure that whether you are traveling a short or long distance you want a good meal to eat that nourishes both yourself and your baby before, during and after you have reached your destination.
