Pregnancy
can make international travel even more daunting, and special care
should be taken. For most women, traveling is most comfortable during
the pregnancy’s second trimester as the nausea of early pregnancy has
abated and the discomforts of late pregnancy have not yet occurred.
However, assuming you get the okay of a travel health specialist to
engage in international travel, your trip abroad is likely to be a trip
you’ll never forget. These top five tips for a healthy and safe trip
while pregnant will help to ensure that your adventure is a pleasant and
joyful experience.
Plan for Comfort
When flying to your destination and
while abroad, it is important to plan for comfort. Swelling, back aches
and joint pain are all common during pregnancy.
- While on the plane, get up and walk about when allowed. This can reduce swelling.
- Bring a support pillow.
- When seated, flex your ankles and knees to promote circulation.
Get Vaccinated
Travel vaccines are especially important
for pregnant women. However, not all vaccines are recommended for
administration during pregnancy. A visit with travel health specialists
can determine your need for specific vaccines. Common vaccines for
international travel depend on your destination but often include:
Have a Check-Up
In addition to routine visits with your
obstetrician, plan to see a travel health specialist for a pre-travel
health exam before embarking on international travels while pregnant.
Your travel health specialist will make destination-specific
recommendations tailored to your situation. Also, your obstetrician may
want to run additional tests to ensure your health while abroad. In some
cases, you may need written permission from your physician to travel
while pregnant. Getting the contact information for your physician and
recommendations for an international obstetrician could help in ensuring
your health and well-being while traveling.
Pack Carefully
Packing for your trip requires some extra care while pregnant. Be sure to bring along:
- A basin or plastic bags in case of carsickness or air sickness
- Medications, including prenatal vitamins and other over the counter and prescription medicines as recommended by your travel health specialist and obstetrician
- A copy of your prenatal records
- Topical antifungal for yeast infections, which are common during pregnancy
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 50
- A blood pressure cuff and urine dipsticks if recommended by your obstetrician
- Mosquito repellant
- A first aid kit, including oral rehydration solution, water purification tablets and a thermometer
Stay Safe
Medical care overseas is likely to be
less available and less modern than what you are used to at home. Due to
this fact, taking preventative measures while traveling during
pregnancy is especially important.
- Always wear safety belts while on the plane or on road travel.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Be strict in adhering to recommended food and water safety guidelines from your travel health specialist.
- Be cautious in traveling to high altitude areas due to lower oxygen levels.
- Check your health insurance policy to see if overseas medical care and evacuation are included.
Taking an international “babymoon” could
be the highlight of your pregnancy. With careful planning, your trip
should be a fun, stress-free, and memorable one.
