For those who are not experiencing any pregnancy-related issues, flying before 36 weeks of pregnancy is generally regarded as safe. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to discuss your travel during pregnancy with your healthcare professional before you go.

If you have specific pregnancy issues that could worsen with air travel or that would necessitate emergency care, your provider may advise against flying. A history of miscarriage or vaginal bleeding, severe anemia, uncontrolled diabetes, or high blood pressure are a few examples. Flying might not be recommended if you experienced pre-eclampsia prior pregnancy, a condition that results in elevated blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. If you are expecting twins or other multiples, the same applies.

Is it Safe to Travel During Pregnancy?

In many circumstances, traveling while pregnant can be safe, but it also depends on a number of factors, such as your personal health, the stage of your pregnancy, and the type of transportation you choose. Some considerations to keep in mind are:

• Stage of Pregnancy: Many people believe that the greatest time to travel is during the second trimester, which spans weeks 14 through 27. By now, morning sickness usually has passed, and there is less chance of miscarriage than there was in the first trimester. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that every pregnancy is different and that your health and comfort level may change.
• Transportation Mode: The kind of transportation is important. Although pregnant women can safely fly, it’s important to consider the duration of the trip, the airline’s policies, and the possibility of radiation exposure at high altitudes. To avoid blood clots on long trips, be careful to move about and drink plenty of water. Take frequent rests and buckle up when traveling by car.
• Travel Locations: Take into account the location’s medical amenities. Make sure you can get medical attention if necessary if you’re going to a far-off or foreign place. Take into account the surrounding environment as well, including things like the accessibility of clean water and the frequency of specific diseases.
• Travel Insurance: Take into account getting travel insurance that provides coverage for unforeseen medical costs, trip delays, or cancellations. Verify the policy to make sure issues pertaining to pregnancy are covered.

Important Traveling Tips During Pregnancy

1. Try traveling during your second trimester

The best time to fly when pregnant is in the second trimester, when most women’s morning sickness has passed, and the chance of miscarriage is much lower. Furthermore, many soon-to-be mothers experience an increase in energy and stamina during the second trimester compared to the first. You are not required to travel during your second trimester, so don’t panic if that’s not when your trip is scheduled. Just be warned that if you wait too long, you might not feel like going anywhere.

2. Pack plenty of healthy snacks

Most airlines no longer offer free meals or snacks, and the food that is offered for sale might not be healthful or satisfy your cravings during pregnancy. If you’re road-tripping, you’ll probably find more fast-food restaurants and petrol stations than healthy restaurants. Fill your bag with various nutritious, high-fiber, high-energy foods and drinks, such as granola bars, fruit and vegetables, hummus, and lots of water. You’ll prevent bloating, constipation, and a decrease in energy.

3. Beware of blood clots

Venous thrombosis, a disorder that causes blood clots in the legs, can become more common when a person travels by air. Pregnant women are more at risk. You can avoid this issue by moving your legs. During the flight, walk up and down the aisle once per hour. If you have to stay seated, occasionally flex and extend your ankles. Tight clothing can generally be avoided as it can impede blood flow. During a lengthy journey, wearing compression stockings helps improve blood circulation.

4. Beware of radiation

For most pregnant women, the high-altitude radiation exposure associated with flying is not considered a concern. However, frequent flyers such as pilots and flight attendants may be exposed to radiation levels that are unsafe for pregnant women to be around. See your healthcare practitioner if you will be traveling regularly while pregnant.

5. Pick your seat carefully

When taking a train, you should follow the general safety measures previously discussed. The sleeping coaches select the bottom berth rather than the middle or upper berth. When choosing local commuter train travel during pregnancy within the city, avoid the peak rush hours when there is a high likelihood of standing for extended periods, and the train is full of commuters. Take ownership of the dependent seats.

6. Always wear your seat belt

Even in the back seat, permanently fasten your seat belt. Under your abdomen, fasten the belt around your hip bones. The upper shoulder strap should pass through the middle of your chest, over your tummy, and in between your breasts. When traveling a long distance, make regular stops so you may get out of the vehicle, stretch your legs, and take a little stroll. Once more, stay hydrated.

7. Sit carefully when on the bike

There are better kinds of transportation to use while expecting. It is best to avoid riding a motorcycle or bike because the patient may have hypertension, giddiness, and difficulties in balance. However, occasionally, it may be unavoidable, particularly in India. To reduce your risk of falling in the event of a jerk or bump, ensure your legs are on both sides of the seat. Steers clear of saris and avoid chunni or dupatta. Keep your dupatta and chunni in your bag; they could get tangled in the wheel and suffocate you in the event of a fall. Smoothly navigate over humps and speed limiters. Observe traffic laws when driving. Give the proper cues before each turn. Do not speed. Don’t transgress in zigzag fashion.

8. In autorickshaws, keep the driver informed

In India, these are typical public transportation options. Typically, this lack of seat belts and other safety equipment makes this super unreliable. Moreover, the material is weakly made. In addition, the drivers speed and behave in a very careless manner. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid; however, using these might still be necessary. The safest course of action in that situation is to let the motorist know that you are expecting and to drive slowly, cautiously, and following the law.

Infographic: Important Traveling Tips During Pregnancy

Final Words

In conclusion, going on a trip while pregnant can be exciting, but it also calls for considerable thought and preparation. When you are pregnant, your health and the health of your unborn child should always come first. Even though it’s usually safe to travel while pregnant, you should always speak with your doctor before leaving. Based on your unique circumstances, such as your medical history, the stage of your pregnancy, and the destination, they can offer tailored advice.