Anyone can get bitten by the travel bug, and that includes pregnant mums. According to The National Health Service (NHS), travel during pregnancy is generally safe, so long as you take appropriate precautions. Although there are no restrictions on when you can or should travel, most mums prefer to travel during the second trimester as early pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester and fatigue during the last can make travelling a lot more challenging. So, if you feel like you’re up for it and are enjoying a complication-free pregnancy, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take off right away.
Before you set off on your babymooning adventure, follow these simple precautions to ensure your safety and that of your baby.
Prepare a travel health kit
A travel kit is a good idea whether you’re carrying a baby or not, but it’s even more useful during pregnancy. Aside from the usual travel kit essentials such as first aid supplies, toiletries, Ziploc bags, ear plugs, and so on, it would also be a good idea to include your prenatal vitamins, prescription medications, antiemetic/nausea medications, antacids, and yeast infection creams to deal with any symptoms that could otherwise ruin your vacation.
Protect yourself from heat exposure
With summers getting increasingly hot, one of the biggest travel risks is dehydration and heat sickness, which can pose a serious risk to both you and your baby. Protect yourself by staying well-hydrated at all times. Carry an oral rehydration solution in case it’s needed at any time, wear loose-fitting clothes, avoid overexertion, and try to stay in the shade. Most importantly, remember to protect your skin, with pregnancy-safe sunscreen.
Carry all your documentation
Make sure that all of your documentation, including travel insurance, is in order before you travel, especially if you’re flying beyond the UK. Important documents to pack include your prenatal records, medical history, and any relevant notes from your healthcare provider, including details about your due date and any medical condition that you might have. If you’re in your third trimester, also carry a letter from your doctor, stating that you are fit to travel.
Move around during your journey
Whether you’re travelling by air or road, it’s important that you don’t stay in one position for too long. Getting up to stretch and walk about frequently will reduce pregnancy symptoms, such as swelling, and protect against blood clots, which can cause serious complications. If for some reason you can’t get up from your seat and walk about every hour, make it a point to at least raise your legs and adjust your position to improve circulation. You can also use graduated compression stockings as they are proven to lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis, even in high-risk hospitalised patients.
Avoid unnecessary risks
Enjoy your vacation, but don’t take avoidable risks. This will mean skipping destinations where infectious diseases are endemic, especially if you can’t be vaccinated against those diseases. Always opt for bottled water and steer clear of raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurised dairy products, and street food. While you can enjoy swimming and other pregnancy-safe activities, avoid high-risk activities such as horseback riding, scuba diving, water skiing, skydiving, or high-altitude climbing.
Plan for emergencies
When travelling to a new destination, it’s always a good idea to plan for emergencies. Those prenatal records and emergency contacts that you packed will come in handy if faced with any unforeseen complications such as preterm labour, but you also need to make certain that the medical facilities in your travel destination are easily accessible and include high-quality prenatal care providers. Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and nearby hospitals or clinics, ensuring you know where to go and who to contact in case you need help.
Simply follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and the tips listed here to enjoy an uneventful and uncomplicated vacation. Your babymoon should be a relaxing and joyous experience, rather than one filled with stress and uncertainty. That’s why planning ahead is so important.