Hello Babymigo mama, traveling is the status quo of the holidays, and it’s a time to bond with new and old family members. However, traveling while pregnant comes with its pros and cons. If you have a low-risk pregnancy, usually, your ob-gyn will declare you fit to travel. But even after you check with your doctor, you should be aware of specific risks. 

 

No matter the mode of transport you intend to use, the safest window to travel while pregnant is between 14 - 28 weeks. Travelling is also not recommended if you have certain pregnancy conditions like preeclampsia, prelabour rupture of membranes, or preterm labor. Here are some things you should know before you travel while pregnant. 

 

 

 

 

Air Travel

If you intend to travel by air in your first trimester, you might experience nausea and vomiting. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in these months. For most women in their second trimester, it is usually a smooth experience as that is the most comfortable trimester for many during pregnancy. In the third trimester, your new size can cause discomfort and fatigue. There is also a high chance of going into labor if you are over 37 weeks or 32 weeks carrying twins. 

 

With these in mind, here are things to do to make air travel easier for you and your baby.

 

• 1. While flying, drink a lot of water and move around regularly, at least every 30 minutes.

 

• 2. Book an aisle seat; stretching during a long flight will be easier. 

 

• 3. If you cannot avoid travels over four hours long, take long breaks between connecting flights. 

 

• 4. If you are restricted in your seat, pump your legs and stretch your feet and ankles every hour. Move your toes up and down at least 10 times. 

 

• 5. Wear a seat belt at all times, as turbulence might happen unexpectedly.

 

• 6. Wear support or compression stockings with the most vital pressure around the ankles. It can help reduce leg swelling. Speak with your ob-gyn before you choose these stockings, as people with diabetes mellitus and other circulation problems cannot wear this.

 

• 7. Ask your midwife or ob-gyn for advice on air travel vaccinations that are safe to take while pregnant.

 

 

 

 

Land travel

When traveling by road, you spend long hours en route. Spending long hours being immobile can be dangerous for pregnant women. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of blood clots because, during pregnancy, a woman's blood clots more. It quickly lessens blood loss during pregnancy and labor. 

 

The US national medicine library (NCBI) journal on cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy states that women are up to five times more likely to develop DVT while pregnant than when not.

 

DVT is a condition where blood clots form in the veins of your legs. There is a risk that these clots can travel to your lungs. 

 

Some other possible risks to be aware of are dizziness and tiredness. With these in mind, here are safety measures to take.

 

• 1. Make a stop at least every two hours to stretch and walk.

 

• 2. Take only a short trip with others. Always have a companion.

 

• 3. If you are not the one driving, sit in the back seat with your legs up. If you cannot make stops in your journey, this will help with the blood flow.

 

• 4. When wearing your seatbelt, have the cross straps between your breasts and the lap strap under your bump, across your pelvis. 

 

• 5. Keep air circulating in the car.

 

• 6. Eat energy-giving food regularly, like fruits and nuts.

 

• 7. Invest in compression socks. You can purchase here on jumia Amazon or any shop around you.

 

• 8. Watch for early signs of a blood clot like a sore, tender leg(s), pain behind your knee or groin, and difficulty breathing. Stop to get medical attention so you can be screened for issues like preterm labor or blood clotting. 

 

As for boat ferries and ship cruises, many establishments have policies against having pregnant women ride with them. But if you are allowed, check to ensure medical facilities are on board to deal with emergencies.

 

 

 

 

Safety at your destination. 

When you arrive at your destination, take care only to eat and drink food you are confident will not have airborne and water-borne bacteria. In a country like Nigeria, you should avoid the following:

 

• 1. Drinking water from glasses that haven’t been washed properly.

 

• 2. Fresh fruits or vegetables unless you washed them yourselves or they have been cooked properly.

 

• 3. Raw or undercooked meat or fish.

 

• 4. Milk that has not been pasteurized.

 

If you are traveling to areas with a risk of getting malaria, pack an anti-malaria kit that includes a protective net and pregnancy-safe malaria drugs recommended by your doctor. 

 

In conclusion, as you enjoy your trip, try to be aware of everything that is going on in your body. Certain occurrences indicate that you would need urgent medical attention ASAP. Conditions like:

 

• 1. Vaginal bleeding 

 

• 2. Pelvic pain, abdominal pain, and contraction. 

 

• 3. Water breaking. 

 

• 4. Severe vomiting or diarrhea. 

 

• 5. Severe headache and change in eyesight.

 

Be sure you have an excellent medical practitioner at your destination if you need urgent medical attention. Also, take your maternity medical records with you to give doctors relevant information if necessary.

 

Remember to stay preggy safe during the holidays.