Though travel is certainly not prohibited during pregnancy, it may have to be undertaken with a few precautions so that the health of the mother and child is not compromised.
Pregnancy is a time when utmost care should be taken of the pregnant woman's health, by her own self and by others around her. Though travel is certainly not prohibited during pregnancy, it may have to be undertaken with a few precautions so that the health of the mother and child is not compromised.
The doctor may prohibit the mother-to-be from travelling during the fist three months since at that time the risk of miscarriage is the highest. Travelling may also have to be avoided in case of high risk pregnancies or as advised by the doctor.
Is it safe to travel by air?
Most airlines have strict rules for pregnant travellers, wherein they are not permitted to travel if they are more than 32 weeks pregnant. Air travel may involve risk since the change in pressure may cause damage to the membranes of the uterus. Before embarking on a plane journey, the pregnant lady should take care to dress easily and follow the rules of the airline. It is also better not to take the non-pressurised cabins in the aircraft since a change in pressure is dangerous. It is also better to avoid the smoking areas in the aircraft.
What precautions should be taken in car travel?
Though travelling by car does not have any obvious disadvantages, longer journeys may be avoided especially during the first three months. This is because, the mother-to-be may not yet be used to the pregnancy and may get tired and fatigued easily.
Other tips to be kept in mind while travelling are:
In case of travel to a foreign country, the requisite immunisations should be taken well before the date of travel to avoid any complications. Many countries require foreigners to undergo specific immunisations before visiting their country. This should be got out of the way as soon as possible since many immunisations have side effects like mild fever, pain in the area etc. It is also better not to travel to a place where there may be more chance of infection.
The doctor may prohibit the mother-to-be from travelling during the fist three months since at that time the risk of miscarriage is the highest. Travelling may also have to be avoided in case of high risk pregnancies or as advised by the doctor.
Is it safe to travel by air?
Most airlines have strict rules for pregnant travellers, wherein they are not permitted to travel if they are more than 32 weeks pregnant. Air travel may involve risk since the change in pressure may cause damage to the membranes of the uterus. Before embarking on a plane journey, the pregnant lady should take care to dress easily and follow the rules of the airline. It is also better not to take the non-pressurised cabins in the aircraft since a change in pressure is dangerous. It is also better to avoid the smoking areas in the aircraft.
What precautions should be taken in car travel?
Though travelling by car does not have any obvious disadvantages, longer journeys may be avoided especially during the first three months. This is because, the mother-to-be may not yet be used to the pregnancy and may get tired and fatigued easily.
Other tips to be kept in mind while travelling are:
- If the journey is long, frequent breaks (every hour preferably) are necessary to keep the circulation going in the body.
- If the seat belt has to be worn, it should be worn low on the hips and not on the abdomen to avoid undue pressure.
- Snacks should be carried on the journey to prevent the feeling of nausea and to maintain the energy levels in the body.
- A pillow etc. should be carried to use during uncomfortable positions.
- The doctor should give a clearance for travel before the journey.
In case of travel to a foreign country, the requisite immunisations should be taken well before the date of travel to avoid any complications. Many countries require foreigners to undergo specific immunisations before visiting their country. This should be got out of the way as soon as possible since many immunisations have side effects like mild fever, pain in the area etc. It is also better not to travel to a place where there may be more chance of infection.
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