Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on special vacations and trips. Although you should always talk to your doctor beforehand, in most cases, traveling during pregnancy is completely acceptable. Before leaving on a trip, though, be sure to take the following considerations into account:
1. Bring your information.
Experts always recommend that you have your medical information on hand before leaving on a trip in order to receive the best care possible in case of an emergency, but this is especially important while you’re pregnant. Have on hand a copy of your name, your due date, any allergies to medicine or food (since even slight allergies could be potentially harmful to your baby), and the name and contact information for your home doctor. This ensures that should anything happen while you’re away, those tending to you will have all the information they need to take proper care of you and your unborn child.
2. Don’t ditch your healthy diet.
It can sometimes be difficult to eat healthily while traveling, but because your diet helps to determine the health of your baby, it’s very important that you make every effort to eat healthy foods. Usually, this means packing an ample supply of health foods like nuts and dried fruits. That way, even if your dietary choices are restricted to nutritionally devoid foods, you’ll be able to eat healthily, meaning your baby won’t have to suffer the consequences of an unhealthy diet.
3. Take your bathroom schedule into consideration.
As an expecting mother, you’ll likely have to use the bathroom much more frequently than you’d like, so be sure to plan around this unfortunate fact as you travel. By including extra time for bathroom breaks during a long drive, you help to ensure that you arrive on time no matter how many “pit stops” you’re forced to make. Also, consider bathroom arrangements for your final destination. For example, if you’re planning on camping but the nearest bathroom is half a mile’s drive and you’re terrified of using the bathroom in the woods, perhaps you should reconsider your vacation plans.
4. Comfort is more important than style.
Pregnancy can sometimes be a very uncomfortable nine months, so there’s no sense in adding to that discomfort by wearing uncomfortable travel clothes. One important thing to consider is the likelihood that your feet will swell. This is a very common side effect of pregnancy, and sitting for long periods of time while traveling in a car, plane, or train will only exacerbate this problem. To combat this, be sure to wear stretchy socks and comfortable shoes. Pacing the aisles on a train or plane is also helpful, as is stopping the car regularly to stretch and walk around a bit.
Being pregnant certainly doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. Just be sure to follow the above tips to ensure that your trip is happy and healthy. If your doctor gives their approval and you feel safe and comfortable leaving town for a vacation or trip, know that this is usually completely safe. In fact, because vacations are usually effective at reducing stress and increasing happiness, a trip could actually be very beneficial for you and your baby.
Women’s Center-Lebanon is a pregnancy resource center that offers support and solutions for unexpected pregnancies to women in the Lebanon, Franklin, Mason and the surrounding Warren County area . Women’s Center-Lebanon provides women with free pregnancy tests, ultrasound scans, prenatal vitamins, consulting on pregnancy decisions and an educational and material assistance program. To contact Women’s Center-Lebanon call 513-934-1777 or email info@womenscenterohio.com. You can make an appointment online be visiting www.womenscenterohio.com.
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