While we continue to get ourselves sorted after last weekend’s flooding, Katie from Moore from Katie has graciously offered to guest post today!
Traveling and pregnant? I initially thought that traveling would be unsafe altogether, however, after speaking to my doctor in advance and taking time to make preparations for my comfort, I found that traveling with pregnant was actually easy.
Here are some tips and personal experiences to help stay safe and healthy while doing so.
1. Take extra safety precautions while traveling to ensure the comfort and the safety of yourself and your precious cargo. I recommended traveling during the second trimester since morning sickness has usually passed and a you won’t be too big or uncomfortable yet.
2. If traveling by car, wear your seat belt below the abdomen, and the shoulder strap between the breasts and across the shoulders. Use the rest stops, not only for toilet breaks, but also as a place to get out, stretch and walk around.
3. Most airlines have policies for pregnant woman who are traveling, but will generally allow a woman up to 36 weeks pregnant to fly. Request an aisle seat beforehand to provide a bit more room for stretching and comfort. Walking around at least once every hour will help circulation and prevent discomfort. If you’ve had pregnancy complications, consult your doctor before flying.
4. Take advantage of the time spent traveling to nap or to catch up on reading and researching. One time I even brought along a baby name book to continue my hunt for the perfect name!
5. While away from home, avoid taking any medication (including over the counter) not prescribed by her doctor. Discuss any potential medication needs with your doctor before departure. Often, doctors have a nurse info line to call in with any questions or concerns; keep this number handy. Carry your medical ID/insurance card and any available medical record with her in case of an emergency.
6. If traveling for an extended period of time, speak with your insurance company about getting proper care during that period. This should be done in advance, as many doctors have waiting lists and may not be accepting new patients. At the very least, inquire about which nearby hospitals or clinics you can receive covered care at in case of an emergency.
7. Traveling while pregnant threw off my normal eating habits. It’s extremely important that you eat regularly as you would at home, generally a small meal or snack every two to three hours. If you’re experiencing morning sickness, eating regularly can help prevent it. Mild snacks like crackers, fruits, vegetables and cheese, nuts or other protein sources helped boost my energy. Drinking fluids and water is important to keep hydrated, and juice can help stave off nausea.
8. Ensure that anything you eat at a restaurant is pasteurized and properly prepared. Items like raw fish, nitrate-rich foods and unpasteurized foods are still off limits. To avoid indigestion, consider avoiding fried and fatty foods, which may also deplete your energy and make you feel sluggish.
While you may initially be concerned about traveling during her pregnancy, after speaking to her doctor and making preparations in advance for her comfort, traveling can be as simple as it was before her pregnancy. With research and proper preparation I was able to travel successfully throughout my second trimester!
Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or on twitter, @moorekm26.
