A babymoon is a vacation couples take in the months before they become parents as a chance to relax, spend quality time with each other and indulge in some fun before arrival of newborn.
Most pregnant women can travel safely during pregnancy, but it is very important to take some precautions while travelling so please take advice from your obstetrician. If you have high risk pregnancy explained by your doctor then it is advisable to avoid long journeys. It is also advised that you don’t travel to faraway places from the place you are planning to deliver your baby, when you are close to your due date because of the possibility of labor.
If you are travelling by a car:
- Always wear your seat belt. The shoulder belt should go between your breasts and to the side of your belly. The lap belt should go under your belly.
- Take plenty of breaks during long trips. Be sure to stop often so that you can walk and stretch your legs.
If you are planning to travel by plane:
- Women can also travel by plane during pregnancy. If you are planning to fly toward the end of your pregnancy, check with the airline before booking your tickets. Most airlines don’t allow women to fly during their last month of pregnancy.
- If you are planning to go to some other country let your doctor know about that. In some countries some endemic infections are a concern. Ask your doctor if it is safe to go to that particular country and take advice about precautions to be taken.
- During long flights, be sure to shift your position while seated, and move your legs and feet often.
- You should also stand up and move around when it is safe to do so. This will prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
Travelling to high altitudes during pregnancy:
- There will be less oxygen available for you at high altitudes, which will make you feel tired easily.
- It is advisable to avoid high altitudes.
- If it is inevitable to travel to high altitudes, you need to take breaks and give time for your body to acclimatize. If you feel weakness, dizziness, headache, light-headedness after going there, then you need to drive to low altitude place. If you still have problem after coming then you need to seek medical care.
In India, it is common concern for the pregnant women regarding travelling by bus, train, bike, auto whether it is safe or not. If you don’t have any complications during pregnancy, it is safe to travel by the above means of transport, but you need to be very careful when the roads are not good. Avoid prolonged standing in the bus, be careful when there are speed breakers.
Consult your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms like bleeding, pain, vaginal discharge etc. Keep the emergency contact numbers handy before you start your travel along with your medical records.
References:
- https://www.uptodate.com/home
- https://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/travel-during-pregnancy-topic-overview
- https://www.babycenter.com/travel-during-pregnancy
4.https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-vacation-at-high-altitude-during-pregnancy_1245278.bc
-Dr Alekhya
#Thinkhealth blog 