By Sujatha Rajagopal
Dreading the thought of staying home for the whole nine months? You may not have to!
If you are very near your due date, most airlines may not allow you to fly except for an emergency. Otherwise, it’s perfectly safe to travel during pregnancy as long as you remember to do it safely and responsibly!
Before you leave home
Blame it on raging hormones if you will, but you may find travelling not as smooth-sailing as it used to be during your pre-pregnancy days. Planning ahead can help reduce unwanted stress and anxiety.
Talk to your doctor: Some medical conditions during pregnancy may require that you travel only with your doctor’s go ahead. If possible, get a letter or a copy of your prenatal check-up records from your doctor before leaving. You may also need your doctor’s approval letter if you are buying an air ticket after your 28th week.
Check if you need vaccinations: Before you finalize your travel plans, ask your doctor whether you will require any vaccinations. Only your doctor will be able to advise which vaccines and medicines are safe for you. Ask your doctor if your jab needs time to take effect and plan your travel dates accordingly.
Be prepared: Murphy’s Law says that if anything can go wrong, it will. So do be prepared for heavy traffic, long queues, possible flight delays and car or coach breakdowns. Ensure that you have plenty of time to arrive at the airport or station, check-in your luggage, take a breather and visit the washroom before you board the plane, train or coach. Bring a magazine or MP3 player so that you have something to keep you occupied (and calm your nerves).
Travel light: The rule is to pack only what you can carry. If you must pack more, purchase a sturdy bag with equally sturdy wheels or a fold-up luggage trolley rack so that your luggage doesn’t burst open in transit or hurt your back.
Pack smart: Although you may be tempted to flaunt your whole new designer maternity wardrobe while on holiday, remember to make space for essential things like pregnancy supplements, moisturizer and sun-block, some healthy snacks, bottled water, a small first aid kit with pregnancy-safe pain and fever relievers and even a small cushion to keep your legs up during the journey. Carrying some sweets will help quell nausea.
Dress appropriately: Leave tight jeans and blouses behind and opt for loose-fitting, preferably 100% cotton clothes. Keep a jacket or shawl with you because you may not be able to control how cold it gets in the plane or coach. Wear a few layers of clothes if you are travelling to a cooler climate. Wear comfortable shoes.
On the way
Take frequent breaks: If you are travelling by car, coach or train, use each pit stop as an opportunity to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. If you are checking-in for a flight, ask for an aisle seat so that you can walk about and visit the washroom without disturbing other passengers. Avoid sitting in smoking sections.
Put your legs up: Sitting with your legs cramped for hours will encourage swelling. If you can’t get up to stretch your feet, make the most of foot rests or as suggested earlier, bring a cushion so that you can prop up your legs.
Wear support stockings: Flying during pregnancy increases risk of varicose veins and a dangerous medical condition called thrombosis (blood clots). If you are prone to varicose veins, put on support stockings to relieve them and improve blood circulation.
Drink water, not soda: Resist the temptation to ask the stewardess for colas or coffee. The caffeine will stop you from catching a nap and also promote trips to the washroom. Instead, go for good old water. Long haul flights, especially, can encourage dehydration so try to have a sip of water as often as you can even if you are not thirsty.
Touch up: Have a powder compact and comb handy so that you arrive looking like a million dollars. More importantly, keep some moisturising lotion and lip balm in your hand luggage to prevent dry skin and chapped lips.
During your holiday
Now that you’re there, take things nice and slow so that you enjoy every minute of your getaway.
Save your energy: You may feel up to it, but try to refrain from tiring walks or hectic sightseeing tours. Instead of tackling everything in one day, work in some quiet time into each day’s schedule to help you maximize your energy. Set aside a few hours to have a warm bath, read on the beach, or simply indulge in a delicious room service meal.
Stay safe: Similarly, now is not the time to try activities like snowboarding, skiing or riding a roller-coaster. The only way to guarantee your and baby’s safety is to stay away from anything that seems even remotely dangerous. Go for safe activities like swimming, gentle hiking, yoga and low-impact dancing.
Be sun smart: Pregnancy can bring about sudden sensitivity to the sun. Apart from the usual sunburn, you may also start noticing dark patches in areas like the forehead, neck and cheeks. So stay well protected with an SPF 30 or higher sun-block. Also, be sure to cover up well with a hat and cool, long-sleeve clothing. Sit under a sunshade or umbrella if you are going to be outdoors most of the time.
Eat healthy: Although it is fine to get carried away once in a while, don’t be too indulgent with rich food. Travelling coupled with pregnancy increases risk of heartburn and an upset stomach. Instead, try to eat small but frequent meals that are well-balanced. Include lots of fresh fruit, greens and grains in your diet. Get enough fiber so that you are not constipated. It is also easy to skip or miss a meal in the excitement of a holiday. This can be dangerous, especially if you are prone to feeling faint, so always keep snacks like crackers, nuts or raisins in your bag.
Stay hydrated: Do make sure that you always have a bottle of clean water with you to prevent dehydration. Drinking lots of fluid can also help prevent swollen ankles.
Food and drinks to avoid:
- Fruits or salads that do not look fresh. If in doubt, buy your own fruit, wash it with bottled water and peel it yourself.
- Dubious-looking meat or seafood. Opt for cafes or buffet items where the chef prepares the meat or fish right before your watchful eyes. Ensure that any food you eat is fully cooked.
- Alcoholic drinks. They are dehydrating and also increase the risk of birth defects.
- Ice cubes. Especially if you are wary of the standard of hygiene practiced at the hotel, bar or restaurant. Choose cold drinks that are sealed such as canned or bottled drinks.
- Street food. You may have relished these in your pre-pregnancy days, but now is not the time to do it.
After your holiday
After all that excitement and strain, your body is bound to complain. Take a deep breath of relief that you are home safe, and rest as much as you can. You are going to need it.
Then, get all the photos developed, sorted and organised. Be content with these happy memories. It may be some time before you decide that you are brave enough to try another journey… more so with a demanding baby or toddler in tow!
