Navigating Travel During Pregnancy: Essential Advice

Are you curious about how to make your travels safe and stress-free during pregnancy? Get ready to discover essential tips for hitting the road, air, or sea while expecting. Join me, Carey, on Parenting Powerhouse as we uncover why the second trimester is often the ideal time for travelling and the must-know advice from healthcare providers before you embark on any journey. From preventing blood clots and staying hydrated to ensuring you always have your prenatal records, we cover everything to keep you and your baby safe and comfortable.

Are you wondering which mode of travel is best for you? We break down the specifics for driving, flying, and even cruising with practical recommendations like the ideal seatbelt positions and in-flight exercises. Learn how to choose a suitable destination, research local medical facilities, and avoid risky activities. Plus, we share tips on food and water safety to keep you healthy throughout your trip. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to travelling confidently and easily during this special time in your life.

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Transcript

Carey Donohoe: 0:00

Hi everyone. Today's podcast is titled Safe Travelling During Pregnancy. Hello and welcome back to Parenting Powerhouse, brought to you by Parenting Genie. I'm Carey and today we're diving into a topic that many expectant mums might be curious about Safe Travelling During Pregnancy. Just because you're expecting doesn't mean you have to be housebound. With some essential precautions, you can still enjoy, get away or visit family and friends. So let's jump into how to make your travel safe, comfortable and enjoyable during pregnancy.

Carey Donohoe: 0:39

First and foremost, timing is everything when it comes to travel. While each pregnancy is unique, many doctors agree that the second trimester between weeks 14 and 28 is often the best time to hit the road or take to the skies. Why the second trimester? Well, early pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue have usually subsided and your belly is still manageable, making moving around easier. However, checking in with your healthcare provider before planning trips is crucial. They can assess your health and give you the green light to travel safely. Let's break down travel by modes of transportation, as each has its recommendations. Modes of transportation, as each has its recommendations.

Carey Donohoe: 1:26

Driving is often the most flexible option. You can stop whenever you need to, which is important for preventing one of the major concerns during pregnancy blood clots. Blood circulation slows down when sitting for long periods, increasing the risk of clots forming, especially in your legs. That's why it's important to take breaks every couple of hours, get out of the car, stretch, walk around for a few minutes and keep that blood flowing, and, of course, always wear your seatbelt correctly. The lap belt should be positioned under your belly, low down on your hips, and the shoulder belt should go between your breasts. This keeps you and your baby safe in case of an accident.

Carey Donohoe: 2:11

Now, if you plan to fly, you can typically travel up to 36 weeks. Although this varies by airline, always double-check their policies before booking your flight. An aisle seat is your best bet. It lets you get up for the bathroom breaks and stretch your legs easily, just like when driving. Moving around periodically during a flight helps reduce the risk of blood clots. You can also do simple in-seat exercises like ankle circles and flexing your feet to keep the blood flowing.

Carey Donohoe: 2:47

Stay hydrated. That's equally important. Aeroplane cabins are notoriously dry, and dehydration is not your friend during pregnancy, so drink plenty of water throughout the flight. Another travel option to consider is a cruise, but be mindful that many cruise lines have pregnancy restrictions, so check their policies before booking. Additionally, if you've experienced motion sickness in the past, the rocking of the ship could worsen nausea during pregnancy, so take that into account. Now, no matter your travel mode, it's really important to pack your prenatal records and your doctor's contact information. Having these handy can provide peace of mind in case of an emergency. It's also wise to do a little research on the medical facilities at your destination. Knowing where the nearest hospital or clinic is located could make all the difference if something unexpected happens.

Carey Donohoe: 3:52

Now let's discuss your destination. Not all destinations are ideal for pregnant travellers. Areas with disease outbreaks or those that require vaccines that aren't safe for pregnant women are off limits. You should also be cautious about travelling to high altitude locations if you're not accustomed to it, as lower oxygen levels and high altitudes can cause complications for both you and your baby. For both you and your baby, a great tip is to pick a destination where you can relax, stay safe and enjoy yourself without any additional stress.

Carey Donohoe: 4:38

When you arrive at your destination, make sure to take it easy. Adventurous activities like zip lining and scuba diving or anything that could harm you or your baby is off limits. Instead, choose gentle activities like sightseeing, walking or swimming. Prenatal yoga classes, if available, are an excellent way to stretch and relax while keeping your body active. Food and water safety are critical, especially when traveling internationally. Be cautious about drinking tap water in places where it's not guaranteed safe. Stick to bottled water and only consume well cooked foods to minimize the risk of foodborne illness, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy.

Carey Donohoe: 5:24

Throughout your trip, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. If you're tired or uncomfortable, don't push through it. Take breaks, hydrate and rest. Pregnancy can make travel more challenging, but it's still possible to enjoy yourself if you pace things according to how you feel. If anything feels off or if you have concerns, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Remember, these are general guidelines and your situation may require different precautions. Always consult your healthcare provider before planning a trip and don't hesitate to contact them if you have any questions or concerns during your travels. That's all for today's episode on safe traveling during pregnancy. I hope these tips helped you feel more prepared and confident as you plan your trips.

Carey Donohoe: 6:19

In our next episode, we'll dive deep into building a support network for your pregnancy journey, which is important for your mental and emotional well-being. And, before we wrap up, if you're ever unsure about something during pregnancy, whether it's travel related or any other aspect of parenting? Don't forget the parenting genie has you covered. We we offer Parenting Live Expert 24-7 services where you can connect instantly with a maternal child health nurse who can provide real-time advice and support, whether it's questions about pregnancy, parenting a newborn or even handling toddler tantrums. Our experts are here to guide you whenever you need it. For more tips and insights, visit our website at parentinggeniecomau. We also have genie chat, which provides instant parenting answers from pregnancy to raising a five-year-old. Until next time, take care of yourself and happy travels.