Traveling When Pregnant

Life has become much too hectic for women to be able to take a break during pregnancy. Unless there is a case of medical complication, most women carry on with their regular lives during pregnancy, including travel.

We have heard a number of horror stories related to traveling pregnant women, but not all of them are true. If you follow some basic precaution, there is no reason why your travel during pregnancy cannot be as safe as traveling normally is.

Here are some tips for you to follow:

• The safest period to travel during pregnancy is during the second trimester. The chances of miscarriage are high during the first trimester and any excessive physical exertion should be avoided. Most airlines do not allow women who are more than 36 weeks pregnant to fly for the fear that they may deliver on board. For international travel, the limit is usually 32 weeks. Check the rules and regulations of the airline you plan to fly with to avoid last minute cancellations.

• Choose a seat in the aisle so that you are able to take short walks during the flight and ease muscle cramps, if any. If possible, take an aisle seat near the toilet so that frequent toilets breaks become possible. If your size during pregnancy is too large, you may have trouble finding comfortable seats. Travel by first class if you can afford it or reconsider your travel plans.

• The low-humidity atmosphere in the airplane can leave you dehydrated. Carry bottled water with you and sip regularly.

• Take the safety precautions on the airline seriously. Always wear your seat belt when you are seated, but ensure that the belt is across your lap and never across your stomach.

• Finally, always ensure that you are traveling with major airlines that have pressurized cabins and not in small unpressurized planes. If you cannot help traveling in small unpressurized planes, always ensure that you do not travel more than 7,000 feet in altitude.

• Finally, avoid excessive travel. Air travel does have an impact on pregnancy and it is better to avoid complications than to deal with the consequences.