Traveling while pregnant can be exciting, but it can also pose some dangers for both you and your baby. Pregnant women need to be extra cautious during the holiday season and avoid certain hazards to ensure safe and healthy pregnancies.

Here are a few things to keep in mind during the holidays:.

Avoiding Stress

Holidays can be stressful for a variety of reasons, but for pregnant women, stress can have adverse effects on the baby. It is important to take care of oneself and avoid getting excessively stressed out.

If one finds places and situations that induce stress, it is best to simply avoid them. Additionally, ensure that one has all the necessary preparations for travel, so any stress points around last-minute preparations are avoided.

Flying During Pregnancy

Traveling by air is usually safe for women who have healthy pregnancies. However, it is important to have proper consultation with a doctor before traveling by air.

One must ensure the Airways policies regarding pregnant women are reviewed before booking the tickets. Additionally, one should avoid traveling for an extended period, limiting travel to not more than 4-5 hours at a stretch. During the flight, it’s important to keep moving around, exercising and stretching the limbs to prevent blood clots.

Being hydrated throughout the flight also helps.

Driving During Pregnancy

Driving while pregnant can be risky because accidents do occur. Therefore, always use seat belts to prevent any accidents. It is important to adjust the position of the seat belt so that it is placed on one’s hips instead of the stomach.

Contacting a doctor for any advice before longer road trips is always recommended. Additionally, it is important to take breaks, walk around for a few minutes, and stretch out legs during long drives. Carry some snacks and water to keep one refreshed and avoid getting fatigued during the long hours of driving.

Avoiding Certain Foods During Travel

While traveling, it can be challenging to maintain one’s regular diet, especially if traveling to a place famous for its exotic dishes.

It is essential to avoid consuming certain foods, such as unpasteurized dairy products, raw or undercooked meat and eggs, processed foods, or large fish which contain mercury. These are not only harmful to the mother but can also affect the baby’s growth and health negatively.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to a decreased amniotic fluid level, which can cause premature labor, among other issues. It is recommended for pregnant women to consume plenty of water and avoid caffeine and any form of alcohol.

While long hours of flying or driving or being outside for extended periods during the holiday season could further lead to dehydration, carrying a reusable water bottle is a good idea to have access to fresh water always.

Avoid Overexertion

Pregnant women are prone to becoming fatigued more quickly than others. Activities that are too strenuous should be avoided.

One should engage in light exercise or activities that one is comfortable with to ensure their body doesn’t become overly stressed, leading to an adverse effect on the pregnancy.

Avoiding Infection

During holidays like any other crowd-filled activities, it is best to avoid people who have various infections because pregnant women may have a vulnerable immune system that makes them more susceptible to have infections.

This is especially important due to the current pandemic situation where one must follow all safety protocols diligently and have minimal interaction with people outside the close circle.

Keeping Medications Handy

Expectant mothers should have any prescribed medication available at all times, especially during travel. Having them in the carry-on is advisable to avoid accidental loss of checked-in luggage.

One should always consult the doctor before planning travel during pregnancy to make sure the medications are adequate, and one has the necessary dosage prescribed.

Avoid High Altitude Areas

Pregnant women should avoid high altitude areas because the air pressure is lower in these areas, and oxygen supply is limited. It could lead to altitude sickness, preterm labor, and other complications.

Moreover, prolonged exposure to high altitude may lead to poor fetal growth and low birth weight. Thus, reducing the chance of visiting all the high altitude places on travel is a recommended thing to do.

Conclusion

Traveling during pregnancy, like any travel, can have its challenges; however, the tips mentioned earlier should help pregnant women travel safely and healthily during the holiday getaway.

One must always consult their doctors for advice specific to their individual case before planning any travel.