Planning to start a brand new column regularly- Hope many from the related community would find it useful. Initially this would be collated information from various sources and drawn from my own experience. I would be trying to incorporate a medical practitioner’s view at the earliest.
However the content under this column is to be taken for reference and please ask your Obstetrician or Pediatrician for further advice on pregnancy and child care. Happy Reading…
Welcome to the world of pregnancy and kiddo care!
Travelling during pregnancy poses a lot of queries for would-be- mothers. Is it safe? What care I need to take while travelling by road or air travel and so on. Many families in India are acceptable to the fact that a pregnant lady can travel by a train journey if her doctor gives the permission. Train travel is perceived less jerks, room for walking and provides the lady can take rest due to the structured seating design. While this is true, it is better to travel during your second trimester.
Please remember make tour travel plan only after informing your consulting Obstetrician and after he or she gives a go-ahead. You would be most comfortable between tour 14th and 28th week of pregnancy. Early stages of nausea or vomiting would have traduced and you would be comfortable with your body. You would have not yet put on too much weight and would be easier to move around.
The following suggestions are for that one-off long distance trips. In case you are working and have to travel every day then make sure you travel in a car rather than the auto rickshaw in India to avoid unnecessary jerks and bumps. If this turns out rater expensive, choose to travel by buses where you are assured of seating space. Be watchful of your movement during boarding and alighting on the footboard. If seating space is just not available for a day in the metro train or the bus hold on to the railings but at all times be safe. If you feel uncomfortable do not hesitate to ask for a seat or get down at the nearest stop.
Long Distance travels
LAND OR ROAD TRAVEL
If the choice is to travel by road, try and choose a comfortable car. Needless to mention short travels are better during road trips in pregnancy.
The seat belt should be worn correctly. For a better grip for you and your baby within you, wear the seat belt below your belly and directly across your hips, not across the belly. This is good both on safety and comfort wise.
Be sure to take a break like rest stops every hour. Walk about for a few minutes before moving forward in your trip. This is to ensure you are repositioning your body and getting up and walking helps in aiding comfort level during long distance travel in pregnancy.
Make sure to frequently rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes. This will help the body to keep the blood circulation. And of course be sure to be dressed comfortably.
Essentials to carry during you road trip:
- A small pillow for your back
- Water
- Healthy snacks like fruits, sandwiches prepared at home
- Books to read
- Music to listen on headphones
AIR TRAVEL
- Do ensure you let your doctor know that you are travelling if need be by air. You might need a medical certificate as a requite by some airlines to allow pregnant women to travel. Choosing an aisle seat with enough leg room will help you get up easily when you want to walk about or use the restroom.
Things to take note of during your air travel:
- Do not hesitate to ask the flight attendant for any kind of help to make you feel comfortable during the journey
- Your entire medical history copy
- Avoid if possible long hours while travelling by a flight
- Eat foods that are well cooked (veggies, fresh salads, fresh fruits and clean water are your safest bet).
- Make sure to wear support stockings for your legs to avoid swelling.
RAIL TRAVEL
Many Indian women prefer using the trains while travelling long distance. It is safe though you should carry your medicines if you have been taking, choose lower berth and utilize the space by moving around once in a hour for five minutes.
Essentials for Rail travel
- Make sure to take a small pillow for your back
- Books that you like to read
- Music to listen on your headphones
So if you want to travel during your pregnancy make sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
My experience: I have traveled by car short distances within the city and by train on long distance. I was careful and did enjoy my travel and never faced any complication due to my state of pregnancy. Thank God!
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