Home » Working Women » Travel » Pregnant & Travelling? Today, women are travelling more than ever before. It could be for business or for pleasure, but the fact remains, everyone is on the move. So, are there things you should know about travelling if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant? It is a comforting thought to know that most pregnant women can travel safely.

But there are things one should know..

• Exotic holidays can be fun, but avoid bungee jumping, diving, trekking or any other activity that can be taxing to your body.
• Discuss your travel plans with your doctor even before you make them.
• Check with your travel agent whether you require a medical certificate before you travel.
• Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly with them, up to the 36th week of pregnancy
• Of course the above rule applies only to the straight forward pregnancies, not the complicated ones.
• Check with the airline before booking your holiday.
• If you are traveling in the seventh month of pregnancy, you could face the risk of not being allowed to board the return flight, if in the eighth / ninth month at the time of your return journey.
  

Long hours of flying can be uncomfortable when you are pregnant. Watch out for..

• Avoid traveling alone.
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
• Get yourself an aisle seat.
• Avoid carrying heavy luggage.
• Long flights can induce swollen ankles and impaired circulation
• Try to put your feet on the foot rest if possible.
• Walk down the aisle every 20 minutes, if you can, to increase circulation
• Wearing the seat belt is an absolute must. Wear it at a comfortable level.
• Humidity in the aircraft is low, so pregnant women need to drink lots of water
• You run the risk of developing blood clots in veins due to immobility
• It is advisable not to travel to countries where Malaria is rampant.
• Carry all your prescribed medicines / Vitamins with you.
• Should you suffer from travel sickness, carry the required medicines for that too.
  

Be vigilant, and watch out for any unusual symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Persistent headaches
• Oedema ( or swelling)
• Spotting or bleeding
• Watery vaginal discharge

Have a safe flight!

Tags: Travel, Pregnancy, Air Travel