Traveling during Pregnancy

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"When is the best time to travel?"
It may be more comfortable to wait to travel until your morning sickness has subsided at about 14 weeks. You will again want to restrict your travel after 28 weeks when you will be more uncomfortable sitting for long periods and when moving around may be awkward. As you progress closer to your due date you have a greater chance of beginning labor, therefore you may not want to travel later in your pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and traveling, here are a couple of things to consider:

• Take breaks during your trip. This is very important if you’re planning on a longer drive. Take breaks to use the bathroom and to stretch your legs. This will help ease any discomfort you may be feeling, and it decreases your risk for developing blood clots—this is very important when you’re flying. Planning ahead for breaks will make your traveling experience better as you won’t feel rushed for time.
  
  
• Pack your own snacks. If you’re planning on flying, you might find the airline food unattractive. Airline food tends to be loaded down with salt, which will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. If you’re still suffering from morning sickness, be sure to bring along snacks and drinks that don’t make you nauseous. As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll notice that you get hungry more often. It’s always a great idea to have some healthy snacks nearby so you don’t faint from hunger.
  
  
• Remember to bring your doctor’s phone number along on your trip. You never know what might happen. If an accident occurs, you can get in touch with your physician immediately and get their advice on the best course of action.
  
  
• Take plenty of liquids along with you on your trip. This is incredibly important if you’re flying. You want to always stay hydrated, even if this causes you to urinate more often.

Car travel during pregnancy
Traveling by car can be tiring. You will want to limit your driving time to 5-6 hours each day and make frequent rest stops. If you can reach your destination in one day, car travel may be the optimum way to travel. If your destination requires more than one day you may want to consider traveling on an airplane.

"How do you wear a seat belt safely?"
To ensure your safety and the health of your unborn child, you should always wear a lap and shoulder belt when you are in a moving vehicle. The shoulder belt should rest between your breasts and along the side of your tummy; the lap strap should fit underneath your belly. The combination of these two belts will keep you from being ejected from the vehicle during an accident.

"Are Air Bags Safe To Use During Pregnancy?"
Experts agree that air bags are another safety measure that pregnant women should have installed in their car. But because air bags inflate very quickly in an emergency situation, you should have your seat moved back to the furthest position possible and have the seat tilted backwards. This allows more room between your bulging belly and the dashboard.

If you are riding in the passenger seat of a moving car, you should always buckle up with a lap and shoulder belt. If in the back seat, a pregnant mom should keep her seat belt fastened.

"What do I do if I get into an accident?"
In the unfortunately event that you are involved in a car accident, be sure to seek medical assistance immediately—even if you don’t think you are injured. A good doctor can evaluate you to ensure that the accident has not hurt the baby. Signs that you need immediate medical attention include abdomen pain, vaginal bleeding, any kind of head trauma, and regular contractions that occur after the accident.

"Is it safe to travel by an airplane during pregnancy?"
Yes, traveling on an airplane during pregnancy is safe. If you plan to travel by air you may want to check with your airline regarding any rules and regulations they have regarding flying while pregnant. Some airlines may ask for documentation from your physician stating that it is safe for you to fly. Other airlines may limit pregnant women from flying during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy due to an increased risk of labor occurring while you are on the airplane. Most women can fly complication free up to about the 36 weeks of pregnancy.

You will want to choose an aisle seat allowing you to get up to use the restroom and move around the cabin during the flight. This will keep you from becoming stiff and uncomfortable.

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