Travelling while you are pregnant requires careful planning and thought beforehand. It’s important to discuss your plans with your doctor well in advance of your trip.
A few things to bear in mind:
- Many countries require vaccinations, some of which may not be advisable to have during the first trimester of pregnancy. If it’s essential that you travel to a destination where a yellow fever vaccination is required, talk to your doctor about a certificate of exemption.
- If you have to travel to a malaria-infected area, you may need medication. Discuss with your doctor the most suitable medication for you at this time. Folic acid supplements are sometimes recommended with certain anti-malarial tablets.
- Make sure your insurance covers your ‘pre-existing’ condition, should any unforeseen problems arise.
- If you’re going to be immobile while travelling, such as on a coach or in a plane, it’s important to recognise the increased risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). If you have more risk factors aside from pregnancy, you should see your doctor before you travel and discuss prevention strategies.
- Try to exercise at least every hour on long journeys. Exercise the calf muscles by rotating your ankles, or walk up and down the aisle of the bus, coach, train or plane.
- Avoid wearing clothing that restricts circulation – rather stick to loose-fitting cotton clothes. Due to the change in atmospheric pressure in a plane, parts of your body can swell due to increased gas collection in your tissues. Most people find that their feet and ankles swell on long haul flights, so stick to shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
- Avoid dehydration. In the dry environment of a plane, too much alcohol, tea and coffee can add to the problem of dehydration. It is therefore very important to remain hydrated during a long flight by drinking plenty of water.
Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com
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