Travelling During Pregnancy
There is a good chance you will want or need to travel at some point in your pregnancy. Traveling by any means, including car and plane, can be safe if thoughtfully planned out. Your second trimester is usually the safest time to travel in terms of your physical comfort and the risk of miscarriage or labor. For most women, morning sickness has subsided by this time. The best travel advice is that you should plan ahead and consult with your doctor before making any travel arrangements.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises that the safest time for pregnant women to travel is during the second trimester (eighteen to twenty-four weeks). That is the point at which you will most likely feel your best, and it is when the danger of spontaneous abortion or premature labor is least. Pregnant women can also fly safely to up to thirtysix weeks gestation.
Nutritional Advice
When traveling, especially by airplane, women need to concentrate on staying well hydrated. Water is the best thing you can drink, followed by fruit juices. If you are traveling internationally, stick to bottled water. Avoid water in its hidden forms, such as in ice, prepared salads, and vegetables that may be washed in water. The vomiting and diarrhea that can sometimes be caused by contaminated water can quickly lead to dehydration. Most medications that are normally given in this situation are not safe during pregnancy.
Dehydration can also be a particular problem when you are flying or traveling to a humid, hot, or high-altitude area. To make sure you are well hydrated, look for signs of dehydration such as thirst, dark yellow urine (though this can also occur if you are taking prenatal vitamins), muscle cramping, or a dry mouth and nose. More serious symptoms include dizziness, weakness, and/or lethargy. Stay away from caffeinated beverages at this time, as they can act as a diuretic. If you are in excessively hot weather, you may want to grab a sports drink that includes electrolytes.
When flying, drink water throughout your flight to combat the dry cabin air. If traveling by car or bus, take healthy snacks and bottles of water that will last throughout your trip. Try to stop frequently, and get out to stretch your legs. Sitting for long periods of time can cause you to experience leg cramps, discomfort, and fatigue, especially in the last trimester. Don't forget to take your prenatal vitamins with you, and continue to stick to your healthy pregnancy diet-no matter where you travel!
High altitudes of greater than 2,500 meters or 8,200 feet should be avoided in late or high-risk pregnancies. Pregnant women who are traveling to a higher-altitude area should postpone physical activity until they become acclimated.
International Travel
If you are planning to travel internationally, be sure that the country has appropriate facilities and doctors to care for pregnant women. Plan ahead; some countries may require immunizations that are not safe to receive during pregnancy. In foreign countries be careful to avoid foods that are raw or undercooked as well as unpasteurized foods, such as milk and cheese. It may be common practice in other countries to eat foods in different preparations than in the United States. Many foreign countries do not have as safe a food supply as the United States.