Baby on Board: Travel Planning Pointers for Pregnancy

As many expectant mothers will tell you travelling while you are pregnant can be an uncomfortable and even challenging thing to do.

Regardless of whether you are planning a journey by plane, train or in the car, each mode of transport presents its own set of issues and requires an element of smart preparation if things are going to go smoothly. If you have questions about your pregnancy, make sure to visit sites like https://www.sharp.com/services/pregnancy/ for professional guidance.

Flying with a baby on board

You should be able to take a flight without any difficulty during your first and second trimester but when you run into your third trimester and the due date is rapidly approaching, airlines may refuse to let you fly with them.

If your pregnancy is considered a high-risk then you may not get permission to fly at all – but if you have any choice in the matter, speak to the airline and ask them about quieter flights. Also ask once you’re on board if there are any open seats – and sometimes on long haul flights even open rows where you can lie down – towards the back of the plane.

Obviously we all hope that we won’t be unfortunate enough to have any sort of accident or mishap, especially when you are pregnant, but you will no doubt appreciate that commercial airlines don’t want to take any unnecessary risks with an expectant mother.

Always make sure you have sufficient travel insurance that covers you for medical treatment at your destination, and remember that accidents can happen to anyone,  so if you suffer an injury that wasn’t your fault, there are companies like claimsdirect.co.uk that can assist you to make sure you don’t miss out on compensation.

Early dangers

While early pregnancy won’t see you have the same issues with airlines,  you should be aware of some of the difficulties of travelling when pregnant. For example you may be experience nausea and fatigue during the first few months of pregnancy, which will make any sort of travel uncomfortable, and can be very limiting on what you are physically capable of.  And if you’re afflicted with the need for the toilet every few minutes, that can make for a very long flight too!

2nd Trimester comes out tops

General medical opinion seems to be that the best time to travel is during your second trimester, when you are likely to be feeling at your best physically and the risk of complications is relatively low- unless you have ongoing conditions like Hyperemesis Gravidarum or similar.

Many people travel during their final trimester, especially those planning a babymoon – a last hurrah before the baby comes. This can be a wonderful opportunity for a couple to reconnect and strengthen their bond for what lies ahead, but remember that pregnancy can often cause all sorts of aches and pains and swollen ankles and feet, so if you are heading off somewhere exotic, make sure to take a comfortable pair of shoes, Geranium oil for massaging those water retaining feet, and always ask for spare pillows at your hotel so that you have enough around to prop up all the aching bits.

Although it certainly comes with a few additional complications, travel during pregnancy is manageable, and the photos will give you something to reminisce over during those late night feed and burp sessions.

Julian Green has worked for years in public health and wellness. He likes to share his insights online and his thoughts can be found on health related blogs.