Travel is stressful enough as it is, but trying to manage the additional concerns that come along with your growing belly can be impossible. The holidays present additional stress points, and the added worry of traveling outside of your normal routine can be paralyzing. But no matter what, you’re going to have to travel somewhere so you can be home for the holidays.
These tips will help make traveling easier and more enjoyable for you and your family, all while keeping everyone safe.
Stay safe and put yourself and your baby first
Pay attention to how you feel, especially if you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy, and always take the usual travel precautions like driving at a safe speed and wearing a seatbelt.
If you suffer from morning sickness, staying at someone else's house might not be the best idea. Things like having to share a restroom, being exposed to odd smells from the kitchen, and having to improvise your meal times may be very stressful. First-trimester fatigue is another factor that can make travel difficult. So, it’s best to stay in a hotel where you can be comfortable and don’t have to worry about food or sharing a restroom or room with anyone.
Prep yourself for flying
After the 36th week of pregnancy, it's best to stay close to home. But if you have to travel, make sure that you are well-prepared. If a passenger's due date is within two to four weeks, the airline may request proof from a doctor that you are healthy enough to fly. You should also check the specific requirements for different airlines. You should also pack your medical records with you or upload it online for easy access.
Wearing a mask isn't necessary at many airports or on many planes nowadays. Nonetheless, you may want to think about donning a mask, as COVID-19 is still making the rounds, as are the flu and RSV, and there's usually a huge crowd during the holidays. If you could wear support stockings, do so. This can help prevent blood clots or blood pooling. Choosing an aisle seat will help make the trip more comfortable as well.
Having a well-planned trip is a must
With some careful planning ahead of time, you can make the most of your trip. Time spent traveling should be given careful consideration. Schedule in plenty of downtime for eating, stretching, bathroom breaks, and buffer time, in case of delays. Keep your stress levels down and try to relax as much as possible.
If your flight is delayed, take advantage of the time to catch up on sleep or start a good book for the trip. The key is to keep calm and not worry too much, especially about things that are beyond your control. Your maternity pillow is something you might want to think about bringing along. It comes in especially handy during long car drives and airport waits.
Pack light and efficiently for the trip
Take comfortable footwear, such as sneakers or foam clog shoes, if you expect to do a lot of walking. If your feet swell, even the most comfortable shoes will be uncomfortable. Blister pads could be useful, so remember to bring those along as well.
Pack maternity clothes with plenty of room if your trip will last more than a few weeks. Bring a variety of lightweight, breathable fabrics that will keep you comfortable during the day and can be layered up for the evening chill.
Use this time to relax and explore new activities
It's possible that being pregnant and taking things more slowly will allow you to try new activities while on vacation. One of the most simple ways to make the most of a vacation is to relax and revel in the time away from work. Spend some time relaxing and taking in your surroundings, or go out and see what the town has to offer. Yoga, swimming, and walking are all excellent options if you want to get some exercise.
You should take advantage of this time to get things done that will be harder after the baby is born such as having a quiet, romantic dinner with your partner.
Don't participate in risky sports or activities
While you may feel more at ease because you're on vacation, there are still things you should avoid doing if you're expecting. Activities like snowboarding, horseback riding, waterskiing, windsurfing, and climbing are all in this category because of the inherent danger of falling.
Avoid scuba diving and other activities that require the use of pressurized equipment, which might generate air bubbles in the mother's bloodstream that could harm the developing baby. Snorkeling and free diving with a buddy, on the other hand, are safer alternatives.
If you're looking for ways to occupy a busy toddler or youngster, an amusement park is a terrific option, but you should avoid any rides or water slides. You shouldn't experience any hard landings or abrupt starts or stops as it could harm you or your baby.
Don’t let traveling be an excuse for lackluster eating habits
When traveling, you can expand your culinary horizons by sampling dishes from restaurants in new locations. However, it is still important to take the standard precautions for pregnant women when eating out. Raw fruit and vegetables should be washed in bottled water or avoided altogether if you have doubts about the quality of the water where you are staying.
Bring along a lot of nutritious snacks in your carry-on bag. You can't go wrong with dried fruit or whole wheat cookies. This way, regardless of potential delays, you always have something tasty on hand.
Pack plenty of food that you know you'll need in case it's not readily available where you're going. It beats having to deal with being sick and hungry while on vacation. Keep a bottle of water on hand and sip from it periodically throughout the day. With this, you won't just feel better, but you'll stay hydrated and have fewer episodes of nausea.
Final Thoughts
Although it can be difficult to travel while you are pregnant, it doesn’t have to be. Most airlines have some type of seating that can be adjusted to make room for your expanding belly (assuming the airline doesn’t charge more for it). Some airlines even have special “pregnant-friendly” seating, where the seats are set up so that you can rest your legs and feet on the seats in front of you and your seat belt can be adjusted to make room for your belly.
If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor before traveling. Once you know what is safe, you can make your travel plans with confidence.