Can you fly if your pregnant

Travelling in pregnancy - NHS

With the proper precautions such as travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to take your maternity medical records (sometimes called handheld notes) with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Find out more about getting healthcare abroad.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you are not at risk of complications. You may have to pay for the letter and wait several weeks before you get it.

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)). If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.

Malaria tablets

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so ask your GP for advice.

Zika virus

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to travel to parts of the world where the Zika virus is present, such as parts of:

South and Central America
the Caribbean
the Pacific islands
Africa
Asia

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

Car travel in pregnancy

It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it's important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don't travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks on standard crossings and 28 weeks on high-speed crossings ). Check the ferry company's policy before you book.

For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Food and drink abroad in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea. Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry.

Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy, and foods to avoid in pregnancy.

Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Special considerations for traveling while pregnant

Traveling during pregnancy is normal and a lot of women do it. But it's important to think about potential problems that could come up during international travel. Also think about how you would get quality health care in the countries you are visiting. Get all of the vaccines you need before becoming pregnant instead of waiting to get them during pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says the safest time for a woman to travel is in the second trimester of her pregnancy, from 14 to 28 weeks. This is the time when you will feel your best. You are also at the lowest risk for spontaneous abortion or premature labor. During the third trimester (25 to 40 weeks), many healthcare providers and midwives advise staying within a 300-mile radius of home because of potential problems such as high blood pressure, phlebitis, and false or preterm labor. Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your healthcare provider or midwife.

According to the CDC, pregnant women with the following conditions may be advised against traveling to countries that require pre-travel vaccines. This list may be incomplete. So discuss your health history with your provider or midwife before planning travel:

History of miscarriage
Incompetent cervix
History of ectopic pregnancy
History of premature labor or premature rupture of membranes
History of or current placental abnormalities
Threatened miscarriage or vaginal bleeding during current pregnancy
Multiple fetuses in current pregnancy
History of toxemia, high blood pressure, or diabetes with any pregnancy
History of infertility or trouble getting pregnant
Pregnancy for the first time over the age of 35 years
Heart valve disease or congestive heart failure
History of blood clots
Severe anemia
Chronic organ system problems that need to be treated

You may also be advised against traveling to places that may have hazards. The list below may be incomplete. Talk about your travel plans with your healthcare provider or midwife before planning a trip.

Places with high altitudes
Places that have outbreaks of life-threatening food- or insect-borne infections
Places where malaria is common
Places where live-virus vaccines are needed or recommended

Healthy tips for traveling while pregnant

Here are tips for traveling while pregnant:

Try to plan ahead for any problems or emergencies that could come up before you travel. Check that your health insurance is valid while you are abroad. Also check to see whether the plan will cover a newborn, should you deliver while away. You may want to think about getting a supplemental travel and medical evacuation insurance.
Research medical facilities in your destination. Women in the last trimester of pregnancy should look for places that can manage complications of pregnancy, toxemia, and cesarean sections.
If you will need prenatal care while you are abroad, arrange for this before you leave. Talk with your healthcare provider or midwife to figure out the best way to handle this.
Know your blood type and check that blood is screened for HIV and hepatitis B in the areas you will be visiting.
Check that safe food and beverages such as bottled water and pasteurized milk are available at your destinations.
If flying, ask for an aisle seat at the bulkhead. This gives you the most space and comfort. If morning sickness is a problem, try to arrange travel during a time of day when you generally feel well. Seats over the wing in the midplane region will give you the smoothest ride.
Try to walk every half-hour during a smooth flight. Flex and extend your ankles often to prevent blood clots in the veins (thrombophlebitis).
Fasten your seat belt at the pelvis level, below your hips.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Aircraft cabins have low humidity.
Try to rest as much as possible while away. Exercise and activity during pregnancy are important. But try not to overdo it.

Special considerations for traveling while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding gives babies the most nutritional start in life. It also gives them vital protection against certain infections. But traveling internationally while nursing can be challenging.

If you are breastfeeding only, you don't have to worry about sterilizing bottles or having clean water. You may get vaccines to protect against disease, depending on where you are traveling. But diseases such as yellow fever, measles, and meningococcal meningitis may be a threat to infants who can't be vaccinated at birth. Discuss this with both your healthcare provider or midwife and your infant's care giver before you travel.

If you are feeding your baby formula, it's best to use powdered formula made with boiled water. You may also want to carry a supply of prepared infant formula in cans or ready-to-feed bottles for emergencies.

Breastfeeding helps lower the chance of your baby getting traveler's diarrhea. If you get traveler's diarrhea, drink more fluids, and continue to nurse your baby.

Watch your eating and sleeping patterns, as well as your stress levels. This will affect your milk output. Drink more fluids. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine, as well as exposure to smoke.

Three Pregnancy Myths: Food, Pain and Airplanes

Claudia Hammond
BBC Future

December 24, 2017

Image Credit, iStock

Expecting women are usually told they have to make a lot of changes in their lives, like eating more and not flying. However, what is the grain of truth in such advice?

As soon as your relatives and friends find out that you are pregnant, you will get a lot of advice from them - including some rather strange ones.

Of course, among these tips you will find a lot of useful and practical ones, but in most cases they will not have any scientific basis.

Let's take a look at three of the most enduring myths.

Myth 1: Now you have to eat for two

A fetus growing inside a woman does not need many additional calories.

Even in the final, third trimester of pregnancy, in addition to the usual recommendation of 2,000 calories per day, a woman needs only another 200 calories (the equivalent of a tablespoon of mayonnaise or donut).

At the same time, you can even stick to a diet - without the risk of harming the developing fetus. Healthy diets that are not aimed at weight loss are beneficial for both mother and child.

Medical myths about childbirth: about the exact date, spicy food and waste of water
Medical myths: are women more talkative than men?
Medical myths: blue for boys, pink for girls?
Medical myths: is it harmful to sit cross-legged?

A meta-analysis of 44 randomized controlled trials (data from more than 7,000 women) found that those who adhered to a certain diet, on average, gained 3. 84 kg less by the end of pregnancy than women from control groups.

During the study, some were on a regular balanced diet, others were on a low-glucose diet.

All this had no effect on their child's birth weight, but - very importantly - reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia (a complicated degree of toxicosis, a pathological condition that occurs during pregnancy).

Myth 2: After childbirth, menstrual pain will disappear

After giving birth, you will no longer spend one day a month holding a heating pad or a bottle of warm water to your stomach. At least that's what they tell us.

Menstrual cramps can vary, but the happy half of all women rarely, if ever, experience them.

For those who suffer from them, the words of acquaintances sound very reassuring that when you give birth, there will be no more pain. However, not all so simple.

Over the years, the severity of these pains really gradually disappears. Often this is associated with the birth of children.

But in 2006, a group of scientists from Taiwan conducted a study of women over the age of 40 and found that pain during menstruation does decrease with age - despite the fact that none of these women had children.

To fully understand what is happening, the same group of scientists followed more than 3.5 thousand women for eight years.

During this period, some gave birth, and for many menstrual pains were significantly relieved after childbirth. But far from everyone.

Among those who had a cesarean section, 51% continued to suffer from these pains, and of those who gave birth in the usual way, 35% experienced the same pain.

Caesarean section versus vaginal delivery: which is better?
Why childbirth is so difficult and dangerous

As it turned out, one of the factors is the duration of pregnancy. 77% of mothers whose children were born prematurely continued to experience pain during menstruation.

Image copyright, iStock

Image caption,

Having a baby doesn't help all women get rid of period pain

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Thus, having a baby helps many women get rid of pain during menstruation, but not all.

Researchers suggest that vaginal delivery is more effective in relieving these pains because pelvic floor muscle injuries damage the nerves that connect the uterus to the brain and the pain is no longer felt.

Scientists also don't rule out that vaginal delivery may cause uterine tissue to produce fewer, potentially pain-increasing prostaglandins.

The authors of the study suggest that those women who continue to experience pain during menstruation, even if they gave birth vaginally, may have specific reasons for this - for example, such a gynecological disease as endometriosis.

However, the first study using a genome-wide screening technique, conducted in 2016, showed that there may be another factor that was not considered before. If your period pain is unbearable, you may have to blame your genes.

Myth 3: It's better not to fly

Airlines do not allow women in the final stages of pregnancy to fly. But not because it is dangerous for the fetus or for his mother, but because the possible birth on board the aircraft will not bring much joy to either the passengers, or the crew, or the mother herself.

As for the early stages of pregnancy, the main data comes from flight attendants and other crew members, and not from passengers. So, held at 19In 1999, the Finnish study caused alarm at first.

It examined data over many years and concluded that flight attendants who worked in the air between 1978 and 1994 were at a slightly higher risk of miscarriage than usual.

At the same time, in a strange way, for those who flew between 1973 and 1977, on the contrary, the risk factor decreased slightly.

But even in those years when the risk of miscarriage increased, it was not clear whether it was the flights that influenced her, or the general working conditions, her tension.

And indeed, when a large group of female flight attendants were compared with the same group of teachers in 2015, the risk of miscarriage was the same there and there.

When the researchers studied the records of two million flights made by 673 flight attendants and sorted out their work schedule, it became clear to them that those pregnant women who were subjected (in connection with work) to the greatest sleep disturbances were those most at risk of miscarriage.

It seems that it's not about flights as such, but about the disruption of the so-called circadian rhythms (cyclical fluctuations in the intensity of various biological processes associated with the change of day and night - translator's note).

Image copyright, iStock

Image caption,

Many women are afraid of flying in the later stages of pregnancy

Of course, the vast majority of women don't fly as often as flight attendants. And scientists believe that flying during pregnancy is not dangerous.

In 2002, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published guidelines that said exactly that. In addition, it added that those women whose pregnancy caused an increase in blood pressure, with poorly controlled diabetes, as well as those who are at increased risk of preterm birth, should consult their doctor before flying.

For those whose medical condition may be aggravated by low oxygen content in the cabin, it is better to take an oxygen tank with you.

In the UK, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends walking regularly and drinking plenty of water while flying to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

However, the recommendation emphasizes that there is no evidence that aircraft can cause miscarriage or premature birth.

Apparently, some of the advice that pregnant women usually hear is not as useful as it seems.

Most likely, it is better not to overeat, and if you need to fly somewhere - fly, do not be afraid. And don't get your hopes up that your menstrual cramps will magically disappear after the baby is born. Maybe they disappear, maybe they don't.

Read the original English version of this article at BBC Future .

Flying on vacation while pregnant. Rules, recommendations, tips

ATOR Bulletin, with the help of gynecologists and insurers, has compiled a set of the most important tips and recommendations that pregnant women will need when planning, preparing, flying and staying on a summer beach holiday - from choosing insurance to safe tanning rules and nutrition.

Details and nuances of organizing summer vacation during pregnancy were told to Vestnik ATOR by:

Natalia Badikova , obstetrician-gynecologist with 13 years of experience, urogynecologist, candidate of medical sciences

Yulia Alcheeva , CEO of ERV insurance company, the largest player in the monotourism insurance market in Russia.

From our review you will find out:

At what period of pregnancy is it possible to fly on vacation, and when is it better to stay at home
Until what week of pregnancy you can fly on vacation abroad
Which insurance to choose for pregnant women
What a pregnant woman needs to do before her vacation and what documents to take
What are the symptoms of a pregnant woman, it is better to postpone the trip
Plane, car, train - which is safer for pregnant women?
Is it possible for pregnant women to pass the scanner during security screening at the airport
Air travel during pregnancy: how to behave and what to take with you
Which country to choose for a beach vacation during pregnancy
How to sunbathe during pregnancy
Where it is safe to swim while pregnant - sea or pool
How to eat while pregnant on vacation
What to do if you find out you are pregnant while on vacation

I.

PLANNING A PREGNANT HOLIDAY

WHEN PREGNANT WOMAN CAN GO ON HOLIDAY AND WHEN IT IS BETTER TO STAY AT HOME

during pregnancy, exclude pathological conditions.

To eliminate the risks of early booking, pregnant women should always take extended insurance when buying a tour - with the trip cancellation insurance option included. If you found out about pregnancy after buying the tour, you should purchase such insurance separately, as well as special medical insurance (but more on that later).

According to doctors and insurers, if there are no medical contraindications, it is best to go on a beach vacation with air travel in the second trimester of pregnancy, with some restrictions - in the first and first half of the third trimester (up to 31 weeks)

“The gestation period from 14 weeks to 23 weeks, according to medical practice, is the most “quiet” and relatively safe period for flights and any travel,” says Natalya Badikova, obstetrician-gynecologist.

Pregnancy from 14 weeks to 23 weeks, according to medical practice, the most "calm" and relatively safe period for flights and any travel

According to doctors, it's not just that before the 12th week, pregnant women often experience toxicosis, which manifests itself in fatigue, nausea, poor health, changes in taste preferences, etc., which, of course, does not contribute to a peaceful rest. But also in the fact that until the 14th week inclusive, in the body of a woman there is an intensive main "laying" of all the systems and organs of the baby - and it is important not to interfere with her. In addition, in Russia, the most important screening during pregnancy is performed just at the end of the first trimester - from 11 to 14 weeks. This screening includes specialized ultrasound diagnostics, calculation of the individual risk of having a child with a chromosomal pathology, and a number of other complex studies. It is highly undesirable to miss it, so traveling far from the place of medical observation from the 11th to the 14th week of pregnancy is best excluded altogether.

The same rule applies to 18-21 weeks - at this time, pregnant women undergo a second screening (perinatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies, a very important study), so you need to be within reach of the clinic where it is carried out and plan the start and end dates correctly tour so as to have time to pass this examination.

TILL WHAT WEEK OF PREGNANCY CAN YOU GO ON VACATION ABROAD PREGNANCY

Note that the third trimester of pregnancy is generally not recommended for travel with air travel and climate change. In particular, doctors consider it highly undesirable to fly on vacation from the 28th week of pregnancy until childbirth if:

aggravated obstetric and gynecological history (earlier termination of pregnancy, miscarriages, miscarriages, serious gynecological diseases, etc.)
there are serious somatic comorbidities, including autoimmune diseases
we are talking about a multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets).

However, if the pregnancy is normal, without complications, then the tourist can go on a beach holiday abroad, but so that it ends no later than 31 weeks of pregnancy.

Why this period? The point is not only the increased risk at this stage, but also the fact that all special insurance products existing in Russia with options for pregnant women provide insurance coverage for medical expenses for pregnant women only up to 31 weeks as a maximum. Therefore, all trips of pregnant women, starting from the 32nd week, will not be insured by any insurance company. There are simply no such policies - which means that complications or premature births abroad threaten with huge amounts billed for treatment.

After 32 weeks, both doctors and insurers give good advice to everyone: do not travel abroad, unless it is about some difficult life situations. This advice should be taken very seriously. The statistics of the largest travel insurer, ERV, are disappointing: 9 out of 10 women who seek medical assistance abroad for pregnancy complications lose a child.

Finally, let's recall one more factor. At a gestational age of 30-34 weeks, ultrasound is performed at the place of observation of a pregnant woman. That is, during this period it is also better to be within the reach of the health facility, where pregnancy monitoring takes place.

WHICH INSURANCE TO CHOOSE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

“The first thing tourists should understand is that pregnant women traveling abroad need special and separate insurance with options specifically for pregnant women. No basic insurance policy on the market that comes "by default" in a regular tour package covers any risks of pregnancy complications at 12-31 weeks. In this case, the tourist must ask a travel agent or take out additional insurance under a special program himself, ”says the executive director of the ERV insurance company.

Pregnant women traveling abroad need special and separate insurance with options specifically for pregnant women - this is not the same insurance that is already included in the tour package

The absolute majority of Russian insurance companies do not include the risks of pregnancy complications up to 12 weeks into their basic programs. The only exception on the market is ERV insurance, which even in the “basic” version recognizes pregnancy complications for up to 12 weeks as an insured event, since there is a possibility that the insured might not have known about her pregnancy in the early stages.

Insurance products for pregnant women, starting from 12-13 weeks, are in the range of all major players in the insurance market, a tourist can choose such insurance by a set of options, the amount of insurance coverage or price.

As for insurances that cover risks up to 31 weeks of pregnancy (this is the maximum period), there are relatively few of them. The most “complete” insurance is again with ERV (Optima tariff): in addition to the period up to 31 weeks inclusive, the coverage here includes medical expenses not only for women, but also 10 thousand euros for nursing a child in a medical institution in case of premature birth (other companies cover mother's medical expenses only). This amount is enough for long-term care of the baby using special equipment in Europe or Turkey.

And of course, the insurance must necessarily include the option “cancellation of the trip” (in everyday life this is also called “insurance against non-departure”). The condition of a pregnant woman changes, and it may happen that right before the trip she will have contraindications to the flight. It is important to remember that if a tourist flies with her husband, children, or other relatives, then they will all receive the full amount of the entire tour only if the “insurance against non-departure” is issued for all of them (and not just for the pregnant woman herself).

WHAT SHOULD A PREGNANT WOMAN NEED TO DO BEFORE VACATION AND WHAT DOCUMENTS TO TAKE

Before the trip (3-7 days in advance) it is necessary to visit a general practitioner and the attending gynecologist, get a consultation and, if necessary, undergo the prescribed tests and procedures.

You need to ask the doctor to issue a certificate for the airline about the duration of pregnancy and the absence of medical contraindications (without it, if there are external signs of pregnancy, some air carriers may not allow you to board the aircraft).

“In addition to insurance, travel documents and passports, you should also take an exchange card - especially if you are going to Russia. For the convenience and peace of mind of the vacationer, you can also take an extract from the attending physician with your medical history, appointments, the results of the last ultrasound, screening, etc., and translate them, if not into the language of the host country, then at least into English, ”advises the doctor gynecologist Natalya Badikova.

It would also be nice if the attending physician could be in touch with the tourist during the holidays. Modern telemedicine services allow this. For example, before traveling, you can check with your doctor if he consults remotely in a special application, or purchase a subscription to several telemedicine consultations from a trusted telemedicine operator. By the way, gynecologists also consult remotely.

WHAT SYMPTOMS OF A PREGNANT WOMEN IT IS BETTER TO POSTPONE A TRIP

“Drawing pains in the lower abdomen in the first trimester of pregnancy, pulling, cramping pains or tension (false and true contractions) – in the second and third trimester of pregnancy before a trip – an alarm call. These are unconditional reasons for immediate medical attention. Brownish spotting or, moreover, scarlet spotting at any stage of pregnancy, watery - in the second and third trimester - is also a reason to immediately consult a doctor, and not go to the airport, ”says Natalya Badikova.

Among other "bad" signs that indicate the need for a prompt consultation of a tourist with a doctor is a sharp headache accompanied by tinnitus. This may be the first signs of preeclampsia or preeclampsia. Reasons to postpone a trip for a pregnant woman are vomiting, diarrhea, as well as exacerbation of concomitant diseases.

In order for a pregnant woman to painlessly cancel a trip for health reasons and not lose money, when buying a tour or separately (but maximum 5 days before departure), you need to take out travel insurance for all tour participants, which we have already talked about. As a rule, its cost is 5% of the total tour.

II. AIR TRAVELING WHEN PREGNANT

Contrary to popular belief, the plane is not the most "risky" mode of transport for pregnant women.

“Many people think that the safest way for pregnant women to travel is by car because you can stop wherever you want. But it's not. The way it shakes in a car, it doesn't shake anywhere, even on a train. Bumps, sudden braking, emergency situations on the road - all this has a very negative effect on the state of pregnancy. Plus, prolonged physical inactivity, motion sickness, the smell of gasoline - this can trigger a cascade of pathological reactions, ”says Dr. Badikova.

As for the train, if it is a comfortable express, and especially if the journey is not long (3-4 hours, "Sapsan"), then it is quite possible to consider it. You can also consider the new double-decker express trains "Moscow-Sochi". In other cases, especially if the train is old, with age-appropriate bathrooms, doctors recommend considering an airplane instead of a train.

CAN A PREGNANT WOMAN PASS A SCANNER WHEN INSPECTION AT THE AIRPORT

Only x-ray machines are dangerous - so you should find out what type of scanner is at the airport. If there is a corresponding icon on the device, then you should present a certificate of pregnancy to the airport employee and go through other screening procedures.

However, modern devices at airports are not dangerous for pregnant women. “Modern airport scanners use a low-frequency electromagnetic field. This is not ionizing radiation, there is no harm to the body of the pregnant woman and the baby from him, as well as from ultrasound, ”says Natalya Badikova.

FLIGHT IN PREGNANCY: HOW TO BE AND WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

Air travel also has its own factors that can negatively affect the health of pregnant women. There are risks, but if the pregnant woman feels well, and the doctors have no objection to the vacation, you can fly.

Firstly, these are changes in blood pressure during takeoff and landing. This is usually fought by creating a state of rest (you need to take a special pillow with an adjustable boost, disposable ear plugs, an eye mask for the flight), and drinking plenty of water (plain water without gas). You can easily buy water at the airport after crossing the border. It is also a good idea to take a bar of dark chocolate with you on a flight (in case of pressure drops and just for a snack).

Secondly, this is hypodynamia and a long stay in a sitting position, so pregnant women should, if possible, choose destinations for recreation with a short flight (3-5 hours) during this period of their lives

Pregnant women should, if possible, choose holiday destinations during this period of their lives with a short flight (3-5 hours)

Why? “Long stay in a sitting position leads to congestion in the pelvis. This can disrupt blood flow in the pelvic organs, including the uterus, and cause changes in bowel function. Swollen intestinal loops can put pressure on the uterus, this can cause hypertonicity, which, in some cases, can cause abortion, ”explains Natalia Badikova. How to deal with this risk? It's simple: during the flight, you should try to walk around the cabin more often, get up, change the position of the body, do light gymnastics for the legs and arms.

A pregnant woman should not forget to take hygiene products (wet wipes, disposable pads, etc.), micellar water (no more than 100 ml to be allowed on the plane) with her on the flight (in hand luggage) - to moisturize the skin during the flight, a set of drugs (if the drugs are rare and prescription, it is better to take a prescription for them, sometimes with a notarized translation - in order to avoid difficulties at the border).

Pregnant women should also take care of compression stockings during the flight. These must be stockings or stockings (compression class must be determined by the attending physician). In the second and third trimester, a prenatal bandage should be worn for flying. During the flight, a woman should wear cotton underwear and a bra with wide straps.

During the flight, it is better for pregnant women to wear comfortable shoes - light, breathable moccasins or slippers.

III. PREGNANCY BEACH HOLIDAY

WHICH COUNTRY TO CHOOSE FOR A PREGNANT BEACH HOLIDAY

The list of such countries is determined by a combination of three main factors. Firstly, as we have already said, these should be destinations with a short flight (up to 5 hours as a maximum).

Secondly, it should be Russia or foreign non-exotic countries with a relatively temperate climate and a diet adapted to our cuisine. Countries with excessively hot climates and exotic cuisine should be avoided.

“Water and food that is not typical for our diet, for example, in the countries of South and Central America, Southeast Asia, can provoke toxicosis of pregnant women in the first trimester, even if you do not have it. It is also provoked by heat. The fact is that hypoglycemia (lack of glucose) can serve as an impetus for the development of toxicosis in pregnant women. And it occurs in hot climates due to increased evaporation of moisture from the skin, heavy drinking and, as a result, lack of appetite and long intervals in eating,” says Dr. Badikova.

Doctors advise pregnant women to choose for a beach vacation those countries where the average daily (attention - not daily, but average daily) temperature in the place and during the rest period does not exceed 30. 5 degrees Celsius.

Pregnant women should choose for a beach holiday those countries where the average daily (not daily, but average daily) temperature during the holidays does not exceed 30.5 degrees Celsius

Definitely, pregnant women should not choose countries where there is a risk of infection with giardiasis infections, and in general with infectious diseases (Japanese encephalitis, Dengue fever, Zika, etc.). It should be clearly excluded from visiting countries in which it is recommended to be vaccinated in advance (the list can be found on the website of Rospotrebnadzor). Doctors strongly recommend that pregnant women not be vaccinated against any diseases - this can be fatal for the child, since any vaccine passes through the placental barrier.

Thirdly, besides the climate and food, pregnant women should take into account one more factor when choosing a vacation destination: the availability and level of medicine in the country and in the hotel. Preference during pregnancy should be given to countries with developed medicine (at least in resorts), and when choosing a hotel, you should ask the travel agent if there is a doctor in the hotel (as a rule, he happens in high-level hotels).

The choice of a pregnant woman in the first and second trimester, therefore, comes down to the following list of destinations: Russia, worthy hotels in Turkey, Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Slovenia, Czech Republic. You can also go to the countries of the Persian Gulf (preferably to the developed emirates of the UAE - Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or to Qatar), and carefully choosing a hotel, preferring high-level ones.

The countries of Equatorial Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas should be excluded from your list during pregnancy due to long flights, hot climate, unusual cuisine, the risk of infectious diseases, and in some cases the need for vaccinations.

HOW TO BATH WHEN PREGNANT

All is well, and the pregnant tourist is at a beach resort. Summer and the beach mean the sun, and here the doctors also have their advice. The sun, of course, brings positive to the pregnant woman (more endorphins are released), replenishes the vitamin D deficiency, which is typical for residents of northern countries.

Firstly, exposure to the sun and even swimming in the sea (due to the reflection of the sun's rays from the water surface) should be avoided by pregnant women from 12.00 to 16.00.

Secondly, and the rest of the time you need to be careful about protection from sunlight. “During pregnancy, a woman often has hyperpigmentation. Taking into account being in the sun during the holidays, there is a very high probability that age spots, freckles that appeared during pregnancy on exposed parts of the body will not disappear. Therefore, a pregnant woman needs to take sun protection with her on vacation, with a protection factor of at least 50 - more is better. It is desirable that such a product contains vitamin E. And immediately after exposure to the sun, you need to apply a special after-sun product, it will additionally moisturize the skin, ”says Natalya Badikova.

Pregnant women should take sun protection with a protection factor of at least 50, preferably more. It is desirable that the composition contains vitamin E

In particular, physicians consider such lines of protective equipment as Sanosan, Lierak, Uriage, from budget ones, for example, Garnier, to be well-established products. But everything is individual, and in choosing the brand and, most importantly, the composition of the product, it is better to follow the advice of the attending gynecologist.

Gynecologists strongly recommend tourists to take a closed swimsuit to the beach, excluding direct sunlight on the abdomen. “It will also be very good to take a cap with a large visor or a hat with a brim - to exclude sun exposure on the face, since the risks of age spots in pregnant women are very high,” advises Dr. Natalya Badikova.

WHERE IT IS SAFE FOR A PREGNANT WOMAN TO BATH - THE SEA OR POOL

Pregnant women can safely swim in the sea if it is warm and the temperature is comfortable for the woman. The duration of stay in it is until the first moment when the pregnant woman feels “chillness”. Another tip - pregnant women should not stay in a wet bathing suit for a long time. At the first uncomfortable sensations, it is better to change clothes, and therefore take more than one set with you.

At the same time, experts say, the sea for pregnant women is definitely preferable to the pool.

“Excessively chlorinated water in some pools can lead to changes in the microflora of the vagina, and eventually to bacterial vaginosis or inflammation of this area,” says Natalya Badikova. After the pool, it is also better for a pregnant woman to make an external (only external!) Treatment of intimate places with Miramistin or similar means.

HOW TO EAT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN ON VACATION

It is better to leave the diet in the hotel the same, close to the set of products that a woman eats at home, doctors say. The advice is feasible, especially with the all-inclusive system - the buffet at the hotel allows you to choose almost any type of food.

However, there are restrictions: for example, any carbonated drinks should be excluded, instead of green tea it is better to drink black tea. And any exotic products for us, including southern fruits and vegetables, should be added to the diet gradually, in small portions, starting from 3-4 days of vacation.

“You shouldn't eat more than two unusual fruits a day (for example, mango). If we are talking about freshly squeezed juices, then this is a replacement for fruits (or fruits - or juices from them). Such juices should be drunk strictly after meals, not on an empty stomach, in order to avoid increased secretion of hydrochloric acid and heartburn, ”explains doctor Badikova.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND OUT YOUR PREGNANCY DURING VACATION

A tourist found out about her pregnancy while on vacation and she has to fly back. It happens. If there are no disturbing moments (bleeding, pain, etc.) - you do not need to contact a local doctor. What should be done during this period?

Doctors advise in this case to immediately change the diet to a more fractional one, exclude alcohol, coffee, smoking (if there is such a habit), include more meat, fish, chicken in the diet.