Travel during pregnancy first month
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 aren't at risk of complications.
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.
1 month, 2 months, 3 months, etc. – Little Guest
Is the tropical sun calling out to you and your pregnant belly? Do not panic! Little Guest (collection of luxury family hotels) has compiled a list of various airline requirements for all future globe-trotting mothers and some « mum-to-be routines » to be followed before boarding and during the flight, depending on your pregnancy month.
Travel, travel, fly to the heights, over capital cities
First, let’s make it clear: air travel is likely to be safe for healthy pregnant women for the first 7 months. Although it is not advisable to travel by plane during the first trimester of pregnancy, note that you may suffer from the pains typical of the first few months of pregnancy under zero gravity. Travel becomes much more comfortable from the second trimester onwards. This period is best for long-haul flights. On the other hand, flying during the last trimester of pregnancy, especially during the last month, may pose some risks and is not recommended.
Questions you may have before the flight
« Is it risky to fly when pregnant? »British researchers from the RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the United Kingdom) stated in a report published in January 2015 that travelling by air does not pose any risk to the health of the foetus or the expectant mother. Experts explain that variations in atmospheric pressure would not affect the mother and child during any month of the pregnancy. Neither would the aircraft cause miscarriage, premature delivery or water break. Air travel is actually the safest means of transport for pregnant women!
« What are the guidelines to follow? »
Consult your gynaecologist or midwife before flying, to ensure that there are no safety concerns with you flying. These specialists will review the situation with you as it relates to your particular circumstances. In case of high risk or pathological pregnancy – history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy – have an ultrasound scan done before departure to make sure everything is fine. Use the opportunity to request for a medical certificate. While flying, remember to drink plenty of water and move about as much as possible. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, do not eat too much salt and stay zen until arrival. Remember that contrary to what you might think, planes are safe for babies.
« Compression stockings, futile or useful? »
Flying can increase the risk of varicose veins and phlebitisis. Also known as venous thrombosis, phlebitis is brought on by prolonged sitting. Seat compression can cause venous stasis in the lower limbs that can induce a pre-thrombotic state. To ensure good blood circulation, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the United Kingdom recommend to put on compression stockings before departure and state that the wearing of suitable stockings is sufficient to reduce the risk of thrombosis. At the time of booking, choose an aisle seat to allow you to move more easily. It is important to move as much as possible during the flight.
« Are airport scanners safe? »
According to RCOG researchers, security gates are considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women and their fetuses. If you are concerned about X-rays entering your body and radiating your baby, you need to first stop watching science fiction movies as the detectors do not use X-rays but use electromagnetic fields, they emit to measure fluctuations in the presence of metals. Be aware that the amounts of radiation are minimal or negligible, and that low-level exposure is safe.
Bringing life into weightlessness, a unique experience that can be organised!
Advices and tips by month of pregnancy
1 month pregnancy flightThe great pregnancy adventure begins! There is nothing to show at the moment that a little fellow is growing inside you, except perhaps that your breasts are fuller, but who can testify to that? There are no obvious physical changes or actual physiological disruptions at this stage, so you can travel comfortably without posing any risk to your child’s development.
2 months pregnancy flight
The embryo begins its journey to the endometrium (the mucous membrane that covers the uterus) from the fourth week of life and the placenta gradually sets in place. Pregnancy hormones multiply, doubling almost every 24 hours. By the fifth week, the embryo begins developing at a high rate, with mothers often feeling more tired. Mood swings are now part of your daily routine. Flying is not discouraged, but keep in mind that flying at this stage of pregnancy is not always pleasant and sometimes even stressful. Symptoms of the first few weeks: nausea, heavy fatigue, cravings, bloating and heartburn can increase tenfold during the flight. Here are some tips to relieve your aches and pains: split meals, hydrate, add pieces of ginger root or lemon to your drinks and wear an anti-nausea bracelet.
3 months pregnancy flight
There are no problems with flying during this pregnancy phase, however, the third month is often synonymous with nausea and vomiting that can increase with altitude and make flying uncomfortable. Your uterus, which is now the size of a grapefruit, presses on your bladder, increasing the urge to urinate. Consider taking a seat in the aisle to provide easy access to the toilet in case of pressing need. Note that while the risk of miscarriage is higher during the first three months of pregnancy, the plane has no influence on this.
4 months pregnancy flight
At this point in your pregnancy, you are increasingly less tired, you no longer feel nauseous and vomiting is already a distant memory. Your belly gets rounded, your nails and hair glow, your complexion looks good, your face lights up: you feel like you’re growing wings. This is the perfect time to fly! Make sure you drink plenty of water, stretch your legs regularly (about every hour) and sit comfortably in your seat to enjoy the flight.
5 months pregnancy flight
You are now entering your fifth month of pregnancy and your fetus is constantly moving! « I turn, I swirl, I fly and twirl. Exhausted, I fall asleep. I wake up. A life molecule in a prime magma. The warmth, the softness stimulate me. I swim, I move, I turn around. » Fortunately for Mom, these grand gestures are tiring, causing the fetus to rest for nearly 20 hours a day. The little downside is that their sleep hours may not be in line with yours or flight hours. The fetus can start moving and kicking at any time. Consider reserving a seat with legroom. Rest at the slightest opportunity for calm, sleep is essential.
6 months pregnancy flight
Pregnant women can travel by air during the sixth month of pregnancy without restriction. The body is adapting increasingly to the fetus, while the belly is becoming even more rounded. It is common for expectant mothers to be prone to hot flashes and to sweat unusually from the 23rd week onwards. Remember to wear light and loose clothing in which you are comfortable. Your comfort is more important now than ever because once the plane has left the tarmac there is no question of turning around. During the flight, make regular round trips between the front and rear of the aircraft to stretch your legs and improve blood circulation.
7 months pregnancy flight
Your baby has grown considerably, its organs and brain continue to develop, it is becoming more sensitive to what is happening outside and is now able to hear the world around it. However, this does not mean that expectant mothers cannot fly. The trip has no impact on the baby. As a precautionary measure, take out insurance to cover health and repatriation costs before booking tickets. Like all passengers, be sure to fasten your seat belt under your abdomen. Place a cushion between your rounded stomach and the lower belt strap to avoid direct pressure on the uterus. Sit comfortably in your seat, with your legs stretched out to move your ankles and toes. Also try to walk as regularly as possible during the flight.
8 months pregnancy flight
You are in your eighth month of pregnancy and are starting to think about giving birth as your baby is ready to point the tip of his nose. If you wish to fly at this stage of pregnancy, seek the advice of your doctor or midwife to make sure you are able to make the trip. If it is not recommended to fly at the end of pregnancy it is not due to an increased risk of water ruptures at altitude but because it is possible that the delivery may be triggered prematurely. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against air travel for pregnant women after the 36th week of pregnancy or four weeks before the expected birth date prévue. Since labour can begin at any time during the last few weeks, it is recommended to avoid traveling during this period. It is also important to know in advance the flight conditions of the company you are traveling with.
We’re taking off! We’re taking off! We’re taking off! ♫
Airline conditions
Each company has its own policy on travel and pregnancy, although the majority do not encourage women to fly in the third quarter and generally refuse flights beyond the 36th week. Some companies invite expectant mothers to submit a certificate from the doctor or midwife indicating the expected date of the birth.
Air France
To take an Air France flight, you do not need a medical certificate. While the company has no restrictions, however, it recommends consulting a doctor or midwife before taking a flight. The French company also advises against travel from the 37th week of pregnancy onwards. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 37th week
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? It is recommended to provide a doctor’s certificate
British Airways
With British Airways you can not travel after the end of the 36th week if you are expecting a baby and the end of the 32nd week if you expect twins. You must also bring a medical certificate if complications are expected. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 36th week
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? Yes, from the 28th week onwards
Brussels Airlines
With Brussels Airlines, you can travel until the 36th week of pregnancy as long as you present a medical certificate stating that the pregnancy does not present any complications, mentioning the expected date of delivery and indicating that the flight is suitable for the patient. In case of risk, an authorization from a qualified doctor is required. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 36th week
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? Yes
Emirates
Emirates applies similar modalities. You can travel until the 36th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy and the end of the 32nd week for twins. After the 29th week of pregnancy, a medical certificate or letter signed by the doctor is required indicating that the pregnancy is simple or multiple, that it is uncomplicated, that the future mother is in good health and that she is suitable the flight. The company reserves the right to refuse access if in doubt as to the pregnant woman’s ability to make the trip. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 36th week (32nd week for twins)
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? Yes, after the 29th week
Easy Jet
Easy Jet authorizes travel until the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for twins. Pregnant women are allowed to travel with a baby on their knees. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 35th week (32nd week for twins)
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? No
KLM
KLM requires written authorization from the physician for women who have experienced complications during their pregnancy. If you have more than one baby, please consult your doctor first. The flight is not recommended for pregnant women beyond 36 weeks. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 36th week
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? Only in case of complications
Lufthansa
Pregnant women can fly with Lufthansa without gynaecological authorization until the end of the 36th week as long as the pregnancy is proceeding without complications. It is nevertheless recommended to provide a certificate from the 28th week of pregnancy (you can download it here, Lufthansa flight certificate). In the case of multiple pregnancies, access to the plane is possible until the 28th week. The company also recommends that future mothers wear compression stockings for the duration of the flight. The company stresses that it is not responsible for a rebuttal to enter a foreign territory because of pregnancy and advises pregnant women to learn about the legal provisions of the destination country. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 36th week (28th week in case of twins)
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? Yes, from the 28th week
Ryanair
With Ryanair, it is necessary to submit a letter of proficiency (the medical confirmation template can be downloaded here in pdf format) completed by a doctor or midwife at the boarding gate. For single pregnancies, Ryanair records the trip at the end of the 36th week and the end of the 32nd week if you expect twins or triplets. See all the conditions to travel when you’re pregnant.
Until which week can I fly? 36th week (32nd week for multiple pregnancies)
Do I have to bring a medical certificate? Yes, a flight aptitude letter is required
3 Luxury hotels for (expectant) mothers
Hôtel Royal EvianWith breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains, the prestigious Hôtel Royal Evian welcomes future mothers to its 1,200 m2 spa. The establishment, which recently won the « palace » award, has specifically designed an exclusive, tailor-made wellness program for young mothers and their babies aged 4 to 10 months. Mom learns how to massage her baby in the morning, and gets pampered herself in the afternoon by experienced masseuses.
Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa
Asia Gardens, a 5-star hotel, is only 10 minutes from the most beautiful beaches of Alicante. Surrounded by lagoon pools and Asian-inspired gardens, this family destination is renowned in northern Spain for its Thai-inspired spa. It provides free yoga, Pilates, tai chi or chi-kung lessons to parents, as well as traditional afternoon massages and tea tastings.
Shangri-La Paris
Located 800 meters from the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine, the magnificent Shangri-La Paris hotel offers future mothers (from the second trimester of pregnancy or after birth) exceptional prenatal care. On the agenda: 2 hours and 30 minutes of relaxation in one of the sumptuous treatment rooms of the CHI spa with a relaxing back massage and foot draining. And why not conclude this wellness break with a luxurious manicure and pedicure? We are, after all, here to have fun!
Travelling by plane is not your cup of tea? You prefer to travel a little slower but still have the opportunity to observe the landscape? No problem, at Little Guest we have thought about everything. Have a look at our article on train travel during pregnancy! Spoiler alert: the train is pregnant woman’s best friend!
Audrey, 24 years old, journalist, from Brussels, Belgium
Traveling while pregnant | Agu-Baby.by
It is impossible to measure the value of what travel can give a person. A trip to another country is the most exciting and fastest way to change yourself for the better. The opportunity to change the situation, get away from the usual stress, get new experiences, recharge with a positive attitude - all this will benefit the expectant mother.
After all, pregnancy is not a disease, and in its normal course, travel plans should not be canceled, you just need to take into account some of the nuances of the new situation and prepare more carefully. nine0003
When is the best time to travel while pregnant? What should be considered when preparing for a trip? What places to stay to choose and how to get there? We have identified three main aspects that you need to pay attention to when preparing for a trip.
1. WHEN
Regardless of the duration of your pregnancy, preparation for the trip should begin with a consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Only a doctor will be able to objectively assess your condition and, based on the survey, examination and test results, make recommendations. The specialist must know where, for how long, by what transport you plan to go, in order to draw up an individual list of precautions. nine0003
Everyone's pregnancy is different, so it's best to rely on your own feelings.
I trimester (up to 13 weeks) - the main organs and systems of the fetus begin to form, as a result of which the female body is experiencing a large-scale hormonal restructuring. External manifestations - toxicosis, nausea, dizziness, weakness. It is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy the trip to the fullest if all these manifestations are pronounced in you. According to statistics, the main danger of the first trimester is a high probability of miscarriage, so it is better to postpone long trips for now. In addition, now the body is weakened and more susceptible to viral infections, it is easy to get infected on a train or plane. nine0013
II trimester (14-27 weeks) is the most favorable period for travel. Toxicosis and other troubles are already in the past, and your body has adapted to the changes. The stomach has not yet increased and allows you to actively move, in addition, many note a surge of strength and vigor here. Do a scheduled ultrasound - and on the road!
III trimester (28 - 40 weeks) - if everything goes well, there is strength and the stomach does not interfere with movement, then plan your vacation boldly. But remember, starting from the seventh month, it is better not to travel long distances, as there is a possibility of premature birth. And after 36 weeks, the pregnancy is considered full-term. Therefore, it will be better for everyone if the maternity hospital is within reach. nine0003
2. AS
Using any vehicle has its pros and cons. It is important to know about them in order to make your trip as comfortable as possible.
- Aircraft
Pros: is the fastest mode of transport, and sometimes the only option for long trips across the ocean. A relatively comfortable cabin, the availability of drinking water, snacks and a toilet (sometimes this is the most important thing).
Cons: a lot of time can be lost at the airport when checking in or waiting for luggage, the inability to interrupt the flight in case of emergency. Also, some airlines may require a certificate from a doctor, which will indicate the gestational age. And they can refuse to register if it exceeds 34 weeks.
- Train
Pros: the greatest comfort on the road: you can walk, sit, lie down, do simple exercises. The toilet is still available. The main thing is to choose the lower shelf and, if possible, a compartment. nine0003
Cons: questionable sanitary conditions (be sure to use sanitary napkins and germicidal gel), large crowds in a poorly ventilated area, long travel times and difficulties in providing a healthy diet.
- Car
Pros: you can always stop, go out to stretch and get some air. You can plan your own route and easily adjust it based on the situation. And in the car you often travel with loved ones, which is nice in itself. nine0003
Tip: buy yourself a special seat belt for pregnant women that will not squeeze your stomach, and also take a roller or a pillow under your back and head - this way they will be less tense and hurt.
Cons: duration of the trip, muscle pain from a long stay in a sitting position, strong shaking on bad roads.
- Bus
In principle, we recommend that you refuse to travel by bus, since stops on the road are quite rare, you will not find a convenient toilet in the cabin, and walking around the cabin will be inconvenient and unsafe. nine0013
3. WHERE
Here it is important to adequately assess your condition and understand what loads will be within your power, and what exactly can harm. The mom-to-be's vacation routine may be a bit like a kindergarten schedule: quiet games, leisurely walks, five meals a day, and even daytime naps! A great activity for a future mother is swimming in clean sea water. And it is better to refuse extreme activities for this time.
Try to travel to countries with "close" to your time zone, so as not to expose the body to unnecessary stress. It is advisable to avoid places with a very hot or vice versa too cold climate. You should not plan long and tiring flights with a large number of transfers. Also under the ban will be some countries in Africa, Asia and South America, where you need to be vaccinated before the visit. nine0013
What not to do:
- stay in the open sun for a long time, especially during active daytime radiation;
- overheat and overcool;
- experiment with new products;
- drink raw water.
We want to once again draw your attention to the fact that every pregnancy proceeds extremely individually. Therefore, it is better not to trust the experience of your friends, but rely solely on your own state and feelings. When traveling, first of all, you need to relax, have fun and gain strength. And this is possible only with a careful attitude towards yourself and the baby. nine0003
Holidays and travel during pregnancy
Before planning a trip, be sure to consult a gynecologist you trust to manage your pregnancy. He will prescribe tests and ultrasound to exclude placental pathologies, anemia, gestosis and many other problems in which long-distance travel is not recommended. Bleeding and miscarriages in history are also on the list of contraindications. In addition, safety and comfort also depend on the gestational age. nine0003
IMPORTANT: CORONAVIRUS AND PREGNANCY
At the moment, there is no confirmed information that pregnant women are more or less susceptible to infection with COVID-19 coronavirus infection than others. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* reminds that due to changes in the immune system and emotional state, pregnant women are generally more prone to viral respiratory diseases, so be sure to take all measures to protect yourself. First of all, avoid traveling to high-risk countries. So, for example, by decree of the Mayor of Moscow "On high alert mode", citizens arriving from Italy, Iran, Spain, France, Germany, South Korea and China must ensure home quarantine (self-isolation at home) for a period of 14 days and provide their contact information to hotline of the city of Moscow. In fact, the list of countries with coronavirus is longer. Recently, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Great Britain, Switzerland got into it - before making a decision on a trip, look for information about in which countries the coronavirus was found in reliable sources on the Internet, for example, on the WHO website or the official website of the Mayor of Moscow. nine0003
To prevent infection, pregnant women should take the same measures as everyone else: wash their hands more often and treat them with disinfectants, avoid crowded places, try not to touch your face, wear a mask or respirator in public places, minimize contacts, etc. ** There is not enough data yet to say for sure whether COVID-19 is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her child. But it is reported that at the moment there are no cases of transmission of the virus from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy, during or immediately after childbirth. nine0003
What is the best trimester to travel?
Traveling in the first trimester will not be a pleasant memory for every pregnant woman. Many are tormented by toxicosis, an acute reaction to stuffiness and odors, and increased fatigue. Any discomfort can be annoying - if you encounter this during the planning stage of your trip, consider alternative options. Also at an early stage, when the main organs and systems of the fetus are formed, pregnancy is most vulnerable. But it is important to understand that many women travel without problems in the early stages of pregnancy (in fact, some do not know about their situation), go on business trips, go to new places and have a great time there. nine0003
Weeks 14 to 27 are considered the safest and most comfortable time to travel if the mother-to-be is well. It is only important not to stay in the sun for a long time, not to abuse exotic foods (especially those prepared from animal products without heat treatment), to avoid crowded resorts , on the territory of which intestinal and other infections are raging.
In the third trimester (from the 28th week) there are restrictions related to flights: many airlines do not allow women on board if their pregnancy is 36 weeks or more, and even earlier in case of multiple pregnancies. Sometimes airlines even ask expectant mothers to provide certificates indicating the current gestational age. Starting from the 28th week, airline representatives have the right to ask you to present certificate that you are allowed to fly.
Another nuance is that childbirth on the territory of a foreign state can turn into difficulties when returning to your homeland. For example, a baby born in Greece automatically becomes a citizen of this country, and in order to travel with him, you will have to overcome many legal delays. nine0003
Choosing a place to rest
Good rest during pregnancy includes sleep, outdoor activities and good nutrition. So you can have a good and calm time in the nearest holiday homes, boarding houses, park hotels and eco-camps. Now many hotels offer special vacation programs for expectant mothers.
If you want not only to relax, but also to gain new impressions, you should choose the direction of travel according to its ecological and epidemiological situation, as well as the level of medicine. Don't forget to take out good travel insurance - take one that includes services for pregnant women (if you take out a policy online, make sure that it is designed for expectant mothers). nine0003
If you are purchasing a packaged tour, please note that the standard package does not usually cover maternity cases. Contact the tour operator to clarify the possibility of changing the terms of insurance.
Be sure to read the reviews on the Internet about medical care in the selected country - how quickly you can get help, how childbirth is in local maternity hospitals.
Which transport is preferable? nine0102
The main condition for traveling during pregnancy is the ability to get up and walk a little at any time. All types of transport (sometimes even tourist buses, but this is not for everybody) meet this criterion. But the train, and the plane, and the car have features that need to be taken into account.
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Vehicle
The main convenience of this method of transportation is that you can stop at any time to warm up and quickly get to the nearest hospital or maternity hospital in case of unforeseen circumstances. nine0003
But there are also disadvantages - in the later stages it can be uncomfortable to sit in a chair even for half an hour in a row, besides, some pregnant women can get motion sickness in a car. Special pillows for the back and neck, comfortable air conditioning, as well as a seat belt adapter for pregnant women will facilitate the journey. It removes the load from the abdomen, does not press, does not rub and fixes firmly, ensuring safety.
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Train
The train makes it possible to change position at least every five minutes - to sit, lie down, walk around. It is better to sit on the bottom shelf and take care of your personal hygiene to the maximum - take antibacterial gel and wipes, toilet pads, slippers, and a toothbrush with you. The negative aspects of traveling by rail are obvious - it is much slower than an airplane, and changing the route or making an unplanned situation, like by car, simply will not work. nine0003
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Aircraft
The main advantages of traveling by plane are speed and safety. The cons relate mainly to health hazards and airline regulations.
If the doctor has approved the flight, this is only the first step to a successful trip. Although there is no scientific evidence that air travel increases the risk of preterm birth or has a negative effect on the fetus, airlines play it safe to avoid emergency landings and additional costs. As mentioned above, many airlines have strict rules for flying while pregnant. It is better to consult about the prohibitions on the carriage of pregnant women before buying a ticket from a tour operator or directly from the air carrier. nine0003
What should be considered before the holiday?
Make an appointment with your doctor a week before your holiday. Be sure to let us know where and how you want to go: doctors have life hacks in stock that you didn’t know about.
Specify which of the medicines can be taken during pregnancy if you become ill in transport, in the heat, in case of poisoning, cystitis, candidiasis or a cold; what first aid may be needed for standard ailments during pregnancy - swelling, pulling pains in the abdomen, headache, heartburn.