Travel while pregnancy

When your whole family is travelling, you have to be prepared for anything. We provide suggestions for traveling, such as safety advice, health tips, and vacation planning ideas.

Things to remember
Nine months is not a suitable time for travelling. The good news is that pregnancy usually doesn't preclude travelling for business or pleasure. Here are a few smart tips to keep in mind while travelling during pregnancy.

· Take stretch breaks
Whether you're in a car or in an airplane, getting up to move around at least every other hour is a must. This is particularly true the further along you are in your pregnancy. This will help prevent soreness and stiffness as well as blood clots.

· Stay hydrated
Pregnant women need a lot of fluids. Travelling makes it very easy to become dehydrated. Be sure that you always carry a water bottle with you. Remember that thirst is not always a great sign if your body needs fluids.

· Dress for the trip
Be sure to dress appropriately for the trip. When riding in a car, you don't always control the temperature. Wearing layers will give you more ease in staying cool or warm as you need to be during the trip.

· Be prepared
It would be necessary to carry a copy of your current prenatal record and your insurance card with you. While you don't anticipate problems, it's always a possibility. You can get your prenatal record from your doctor or midwife by simply asking. You will also want to talk to your practitioner about any vaccinations you may need to avoid or restrictions on your travel.
You will probably be asked to refrain from travel during the last few weeks of pregnancy except in cases of emergencies. Many airlines enforce this rule, so be sure to ask before you book a flight.

· Insurance card & Credit card
Remember to bring with you your insurance card/policy for emergency case. Credit cards, Visa cards (besides sufficient cash) are also required in similar cases during your far-from-home trip.

When is the best time to fly?
According to the scientists, air travel is safest for pregnant women during the second trimester – weeks 18 to 24. If you are considering a flight during your pregnancy, check with both your doctor and the airline before you book.
General consensus in the medical community suggests it is best not to travel pregnant before 12 weeks due to morning sickness and possible increased risk of miscarriage. Though many pregnant women have no trouble flying in the first trimester, it is always better to err on the safe side and consult your physician.
After 28 weeks, when the risk of going into labor increases, most airlines will require a letter from your doctor stating that you are fit for air travel while pregnant and confirming your estimated due date. If you are more than 36 weeks pregnant, many airlines will not let you fly due to the increased risk of delivering onboard.
There are some precautions that a pregnant traveler should consider:

• Talk to your practitioner before flying. If you are more than 36 weeks pregnant, many airlines will not let you fly for fear that you'll deliver on board.
• Try to do the majority of your traveling in the second trimester. Not only will you be more comfortable, but in general the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor are lower.
• Avoid excessive flying. Although there are no hard and fast numbers. The flight attendants with the higher miscarriage rates flew on average 74 hours per month.
• Make comfort arrangements. Try to get seats with more leg room, plan to walk in the aisles, potty breaks, and water...
• Avoid travel to countries that would require immunization. Talk to your practitioner for more info on immunizations.

So remember, flying is not contraindicated in an uncomplicated pregnancy, but use your common sense and speak to your practitioner about your travel plans.