Traveling while pregnant

Andy Blackett — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:46:09 +0000

Since pregnancy is likely to last 40 weeks (or more), most people will have some sort of trip or adventure planned that requires them to travel while pregnant. You may be wondering how to stay healthy while traveling, and if so, you’ve come to the right place.

Before you travel

Always check with your OB provider before traveling away from home. They may have specific precautions for you related to your unique health and risk factors. It’s important to heed their advice, even if it seems conservative.

If you’re traveling away from home, it’s important to have an easily accessible copy of your pregnancy medical records. No one plans to need medical care while traveling, but it can certainly happen! If you can’t access an online patient portal, be sure to get a written copy before you go.

It’s also important to know where, or if, you can access the care you need while pregnant at your destination. Levels of care vary widely—even within the U.S. For example, if you travel around 30 weeks pregnant, is the local hospital equipped with a Labor and delivery unit and a neonatal intensive care unit? We sometimes take it for granted that everywhere we go, we will have what we need, but unfortunately, many areas lack meaningful medical services for pregnant people and babies.

It is so helpful to check the CDC travel advisory for your destination. There, you can find travel warnings specific to pregnancy and links to information about necessary vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis.

While you’re on the road

First things first, buckle up in your regular seatbelt! Seatbelt adjusters or additional cushions sold for use in pregnancy are NOT necessary or safe. Plan to stop every two hours to empty your bladder (you know we’re going to recommend staying hydrated) and stretch your legs to help prevent blood clots. If you are prone to swelling in your legs and feet, consider compression socks, too!

Taking to the friendly skies? Check out our article all about flying while pregnant here.

Cruises

Cruising is a really specific type of travel, and most cruise lines do not allow any pregnant parents onboard after 23 weeks. You may need a letter confirming your due date, and please do not attempt to bend this rule. These guidelines exist because medical facilities are extremely limited on board. It can take a very long time to access emergency care for you and your baby from a cruise, depending on where your ship is when it happens (hours to days). The closest physical hospital may not be in a location where you’d feel comfortable getting care, or that has adequate facilities for pregnant people. In addition to this, cruises are frequent locations for disease outbreaks because of the close quarters of so many people. Pregnancy is a time when your immune system is suppressed (low), so you may be at higher risk of catching a virus. There is quite a bit to research to make sure this is an okay option for you!

Packing

Bring what you need to be comfortable! This isn’t the time to skimp, as we all know it can take a little extra to feel good during pregnancy. Giant pillow? Check. Tons of your favorite snacks? Check. You deserve to feel great during travel, and this may mean a slightly larger bag than usual. While everyone’s needs are unique, we hope we’ve given you some useful pointers as you prepare to enjoy a getaway!

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Babymoons: like a honeymoon with a bump

CMS Development — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 13:36:49 +0000

The second trimester is often referred to as the ‘honeymoon trimester’ when many of your terrible symptoms subside and you are feeling fantastic! Why not treat yourself with a babymoon – a fun vacation you and your partner can take while your body still feels up for it – to celebrate the fact that soon you will give birth to your bundle of joy.

Things to consider in advance

If you already have vacation ideas swirling in your mind, it’s important to keep some things in mind before making any plans:

Travel distance: Before you go anywhere, you should consult your healthcare provider and make sure you are healthy enough for travel. Also, remember that traveling long distances can be uncomfortable and stressful. Local vacation spots can be a lot of fun and easy to get to.
Activities: Your body may feel ready for anything, but remember that some activities can be dangerous for Baby. You should avoid activities that involve high intensity physical activity or put you at risk of falling. When choosing your vacation destination, consider the activities available and the activities you can do. Consult your healthcare provider to see which activities would be good for you.
Reduce stress: Remember that your vacation should help you unwind and release some of the stress associated with pregnancy. It may not be the best idea for you to go somewhere that will stress you out. This could be a place with a language barrier or maybe a fast paced city. Think about a location where you will have fun but not be under too much stress.
Costs: For almost all new parents, the financial costs of raising a child are higher than originally expected, and the costs of travel can be quite high. When planning your trip, don’t book anything you think will put you and your family in financial difficulty before or after your child arrives. There are plenty of ways to live within your means and enjoy a great trip.
Diet: If you want to go somewhere exotic and fun, consider what you will be eating and if it will be beneficial to you and Baby. You also don’t want to eat food you don’t think your body can handle or food that might make you sick. Eating the right food is very important for you and Baby.
Medical conditions: At this point in your pregnancy you may be experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, morning sickness, as well as others. Be sure to go to a spot where you believe you will be comfortable enough to handle these conditions without too much stress. Experiencing these symptoms far from home can cause anxiety in many women. If you are also worried about the possibility of requiring prompt medical attention, be sure not to travel too far from your healthcare provider, or make sure you’re aware of a medical facility that’s close to where you’re going. Always consult your provider before you go on your vacation.
Your Partner: Don’t forget about your partner! A babymoon is a fantastic opportunity for you and your partner to spend some quality time together before you welcome Baby.

Fun times ahead!

While there are several things you should consider before embarking on your babymoon, the most important thing to remember is that you are well on your way to bringing your child into the world! If you can create a good travel plan, then that is wonderful. If circumstances don’t allow you to travel, you still have Baby to look forward to and focus on, and can enjoy a nice day with your partner closer to home! You may not be able to hit the town like you once could, but a babymoon is a great reminder that you can still keep it fun when you’re a parent! Have you added a bump picture in Ovia? Try the feature by tapping here! Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Traveling While Pregnant: What you should know