Will you be traveling this holiday season? Traveling while pregnant can at times be very annoying! Frequent trips to the bathroom, backaches from sitting for so long, pregnancy induced nausea, and the weary hours of traveling can add to the changes that come along with pregnancy.

Of course, you should check with your doctor before traveling far away or flying, but below are a few tips and suggestions for the pregnant and weary traveler.

Air Travel
Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel domestically up to their 36th week and internationally up to their 32nd week. However, each airline has its own policy, so check with your airline before you fly. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the safest time for you to travel is during your second trimester. You’ll generally be feeling your best and have the lowest risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Women in their third trimester are advised to stay within 300 miles of home in case of sudden complications.

Depending on your size while pregnant, you may have a harder time getting comfortable in a coach airplane seat. If you can’t afford to upgrade your seat, request an aisle seat at the bulkhead for maximum space. Be sure to bring a bottle of water with you on the plane and drink frequently to counteract the effects of the low-humidity cabins. Get up and walk around every half hour if possible and stretch your legs often to prevent phlebitis. Always wear your safety belt while seated, and be sure it is placed low on your pelvic bone, and never across your belly. While you are pregnant, travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller (un-pressurized) planes. If you must take a smaller, un-pressurized plane, avoid flying at altitudes above 7,000 feet.

Car Travel
Car travel is safe during pregnancy, although you may need to allow extra time for bathroom and stretch breaks on long trips. Always wear your seat belt low across your pelvic bone and never across your belly, and position the shoulder belt snugly between your breasts. Air bags are as safe during pregnancy as they are at any other time, so don’t disconnect them. There is a potential risk associated with airbags because they open with such force; however, the benefits of their use outweigh the risks. To minimize the risk of injury during airbag deployment, sit as far back as possible – at least ten inches from the dashboard or steering wheel, wherever the airbag is located.

If you are in a car accident of any sort, regardless of severity or how far along you are in your pregnancy, you should be checked out by a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine.

Buses and trains tend to have narrow aisles and cramped bathrooms; however, both modes of transportation are safe during your pregnancy. Be sure to hang on to the seat backs when walking up and down the aisles.

If you experience any of the following complications while traveling, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Bleeding



• Contractions



• Impaired vision



• Ruptured membranes



• Abdominal pain or cramping



• Passing clots or tissue



• Headaches



• Excessive swelling of your legs

If you are traveling somewhere for the holidays, be safe!!

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