Just because you are pregnant it doesn’t mean that you should give up traveling. For most women it’s perfectly safe for them to travel until they are around 36 weeks pregnant. If you will be traveling while pregnant, keep these things in mind.
The Optimal Time to Travel
If you feel okay and aren’t in the last month of your pregnancy, you can travel any time. For a lot of women, their second trimester of pregnancy, that lasts from 13-28 weeks, is a great time for them to travel. This is because morning sickness has pretty much disappeared. They also find that it’s easier to get around as the baby is still very small and they haven’t gained that much weight yet. This makes it easier to travel and many women find that they have a lot of energy during this time.
Places To Avoid
Not all places are safe to visit during pregnancy. Some countries may have outbreaks of certain viruses. These areas should be avoided. It’s always a good idea to research your desired destination before you make any travel plans. This will allow you to find out if there are any issues with the destination that you plan on going too. If there is, it’s a good idea to avoid it. While at your destination, remember there may be some things that you aren’t allowed to take part in because of the pregnancy. This can include activities like ziplining or bungee jumping.
What You Should Do Before Your Trip
Before traveling, you should get a checkup from your doctor. This will allow them to make sure that it’s safe for you to go on a trip. Discuss warning signs that you should look out for and what you should do if they occur. Once you’ve gotten the green light to go, think about what you need to pack. Your needs may be different since you are pregnant. Make sure you pack enough prenatal vitamins so that you won’t run out while you are away from home. Pack items to keep you comfortable, especially if you will have to be sitting for awhile. These items may include a donut pillow to sit on or compression socks to keep the blood flowing in your legs. Also, purchase travel insurance. Anyone’s who’s been pregnant before knows that issues can arise without warning. If you do end up having a complication and need to miss your trip, your travel insurance will help you recoup some of the costs.
Research Doctors At Your Destination
While the chances of something happening when you are at your destination are probably low, things still can happen. Because of this, you need to know who you will go to if you need to see a doctor. Research doctors at your destination beforehand so that you can have a plan as to what you will do if you are in need of medical treatment. Check with your insurance company to find out what is and isn’t covered. Having a plan will help you feel in control even if an emergency arises.
Note: We share tips for health, travel & preparedness, but this is not official medical advice. Please contact your medical professional if you have questions or symptoms.
