Traveling while pregnant can be both exciting and overwhelming; as a pregnant woman, there is much to consider when planning a trip. You not only need to think about your own comfort, but also the safety of your unborn child.

This guide provides some tips to help you make safe travel choices for pregnant women.

1. Consult with a healthcare provider

Pregnancy comes with a multitude of risks, and traveling may exacerbate them. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any trips, particularly during the first trimester when a fetus is most vulnerable.

Your healthcare provider can help you identify and manage risks, and may have recommendations for travel restrictions depending on your medical history, the current state of your pregnancy, and your destination.

2. Choose a suitable destination

While there may be many destinations you want to visit, not all are suitable for pregnant women. To minimize risks, choose destinations that are known to be safe and have healthcare facilities to manage emergencies or complications.

In particular, avoid destinations with high crime rates, poor sanitation, or diseases that could affect your unborn child, such as Zika virus. Certain restrictions may be placed on travel to some destinations while pregnant, so be sure to check before booking your trip.

3. Consider the mode of transport

The mode of transport used during the travel has a significant impact on comfort and safety.

While air travel is generally safe during pregnancy, it’s advisable to check with the airline on restrictions, like their ban on air travel in advanced stages of pregnancy. When traveling by road, use of seatbelts is a must for personal safety, but also to minimize the risk of injury from a potential car crash.

Use of public means of transport like buses and trains while pregnant may subject you to a risk of falling or toppling over if there are sharp turns or sudden stops, hence it is advisable to request for seats reserved for the at-risk group.

4. Stay hydrated and stay mobile

Traveling can be exhausting, particularly when you’re pregnant. To keep your energy up, drink plenty of water, as dehydration can exacerbate pregnancy symptoms such as tiredness and headaches.

Walking around and gently stretching your legs periodically can help reduce the risk of blood clots which occur more frequently during pregnancy.

5. Prepare for emergencies

When traveling while pregnant, it is important to plan for emergencies. Pack a full range of medication, copy of your health insurance, and medical records.

Research the nearest hospitals or clinics at your destination and consider travel insurance just in case of emergencies or other unforeseen complications.

6. Pack comfortable clothing

Pregnancy comes with all sorts of aches and pains, and comfort is a priority. Pack maternity wear that is comfortable and accommodates your growing belly. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is also a must-have for any of the travel destinations.

Even for short trips, ensure you have packs of snacks with you to avoid cases of food cravings or unnecessary hunger.

7. Get adequate rest

During pregnancy, getting adequate rest is important to avoid feeling fatigued and irritable, but travel can disrupt sleep patterns.

Plan the locations for stay and ensure that the hotels or lodgings have comfortable and good beds to avoid back pains or injuries. If possible, avoid long layovers and late-night flights to minimize disruptions to your sleep schedule.

8. Avoid risky foods

Pregnancy can also make you more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Some types of food are riskier than others, particularly when visiting a new and unfamiliar destination.

Always choose cooked foods over raw foods, pasteurized dairy, and fruits and vegetables that have been washed with clean water. Avoid delicacies or fast foods that cannot be properly ascertained if they have been cooked using the correct standards.

9. Be alert to signs of danger

As a pregnant woman traveling, it is essential to recognize signs of danger, such as painless bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or muscle cramps.

Other worrying signs include contractions, reduction in fetal movements, or early-onset of preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. If you experience any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.

10. Take your time

Lastly, take your time and don’t push yourself too hard while traveling. Enjoy the journey while taking into account your pregnancy status. By taking your time, it will ensure that no additional stress or strain will be placed upon you.

Being pregnant while traveling shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a memorable adventure! However, ensuring that your travels are safe and enjoyable is essential.