Travel doesn’t have to stop once you have kids, but it does change. And that starts with pregnancy. These travel tips for pregnant women come from Jan Rydfors, a California gynecologist/obstetrician who is the co-creator of Pregnancy Companion: The Obstetrician’s Mobile Guide to Pregnancy, a free app.
Protect yourself from the sun
The warmth of the sun feels good and getting a tan is always nice, but everyone know the sun’s ray can be harmful. It’s even more important to be careful of those harmful rays now. That’s because pregnancy hormones can increase the chances of skin discoloration that could be permanent. Opt for ultra-strong sun block of SPF 50 or more when you go outside. And remember to put sun block on your skin even under your clothes because clothes only provide a SPF block of 10 or so.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is always important when you travel, but it’s even more important when you’re pregnant. That’s because more water evaporates from your skin during pregnancy. Try to drink at least 10 8-ounce glasses of fluid every day; even more on hot days.
Be Prepared for Illness
Before you travel, ask your health care provider to prescribe some nausea medication and antibiotics in case you get sick. If you do get sick, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. The best options are coconut juice, Pedialyte and broth soups.
Flying safely during pregnancy
Try to get an aisle seat so it’s easy to get up and take those frequent trips to the bathroom. While you’re up, spend a little more time walking up and down the aisle. While you’re seated, wear your seat belt below your belly. If you are in your third trimester and the flight is longer than a few hours, you may experience significant foot swelling, so consider wearing comfortable sandals and support stockings.
Before you book, check the airline’s pregnancy cut-off date. Most airlines will not allow pregnant women to travel after 36 weeks, but some cut off travel even earlier. It is always a good idea to get a note from your health care provider regarding your due date because the airline might ask for it.
Finally, consider buying travel insurance that will protect you in case the baby decides to arrive sooner than expected.
Safe car travel during pregnancy
Try to limit the car trip to six hours per day and stop every hour or so to stretch and go to the restroom. This will help prevent blood clots in your legs. Being stuck in a car for hours might be a little uncomfortable, so bring along a pillow or two.
And, because you’re pregnant, be sure to bring snacks and bottled water. Always wear your seat belt fastened below your belly.
Staying safe on an international trip
If you are going abroad for a last hurrah before your baby arrives, plan wisely to ensure a memorable trip. Make sure you use safe drinking water. Opt for bottled carbonated water if you are unsure about the tap water. If you can’t get bottled water, boil the tap water for three minutes before drinking it.
Remember, freezing does not kill bacteria, so make sure you use ice from a safe water source and don’t drink out of glasses that have been washed in un-boiled water. To help prevent common travel diarrhea, eat only fruits and vegetables that have been cooked or ones that you have peeled yourself. Do not eat raw or undercooked meat and fish.
For more great tips on family travel, download your free copy of 101 Family Travel Tips at TravelingMom.com, an online family travel magazine filled with tips and advice from moms who travel with their kids. Or visit TravelingDad.com to read an often humorous dads’ perspective on traveling with kids.