Travelling During Pregnancy

Travelling can be a stressful experience for anyone. This stress is further compounded if you are pregnant while travelling. For expecting mothers, any form of travel, be it air or land, can prove to be a hassle. However, travelling can be made super easy and safe for pregnant women if they keep a few things in mind. Continue reading this article to understand the nitty-gritty of travelling during pregnancy!

Needless to say, before you make any solid decision about travelling, you should mandatorily consult your doctor. More than anyone, your doctor would be able to provide an answer to this question for you: “Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?” Your doctor will help you understand the emergency medicines you should carry with you while travelling. For instance, if you have motion sickness, they might prescribe the necessary nausea medication, and so on. Furthermore, if you have problems like diabetes, any history of miscarriage, and high blood pressure, you should definitely consult your doctor before any kind of air travel. Lastly, if you are travelling outside the country, make sure to get in touch with a professional and get all your immunisation up-to-date. 

Before travelling pregnant, you should be fully prepared to avoid any last-minute rush or discomfort. Make sure to have all your essential items like medicines, prenatal charts, and emergency numbers in place. You can also choose to carry items like a neck pillow and eye mask for increased comfort. Additionally, wear comfortable maternity wear and shoes for ease of travelling.

Certain food items should be avoided while travelling, as these can cause discomfort and ruin the whole experience of travelling. Firstly, try to avoid fried food or carbonated drinks, as both of these can cause flatulence. It is also advisable not to eat sodium-rich food. Since sodium enhances water retention, it can cause unease. All that being said, keep in mind to carry healthy snacks with you, as an expecting mother should never starve. Also, before leaving your home, try to have a balanced meal so that your stomach remains satisfied for longer.  

One of the most important things to keep in mind while pregnant is to remain stress-free. However, rushing to catch a flight or train is the exact opposite of that. Hence, it is always ideal for pregnant women and their families to stay ahead of time. Hence, make sure to leave home early and reach the airport or railway station well before you are supposed to depart. 

Studies have shown that lifting heavy objects during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. Furthermore, it also negatively affects the spine and ligaments. Hence, even if you are travelling pregnant, you should not lift any heavy luggage. 

Flight travelling during pregnancy can be quite confusing, as different airlines have different guidelines regarding pregnant women. For instance, Air India allows pregnant women to fly till the 32nd week of their pregnancy. However, exceptions are made for up to the 35th week in cases where the women are expecting a normal delivery and have a medical certificate stating they are fit to travel. For carriers like IndiGo, women must produce a fit to travel certificate in case they are planning to fly any time during the 28th week to the 36th week. 

In addition to paperwork, it is better for pregnant women to opt for aisle seats while travelling via an aeroplane. This is because, in addition to needing to use the toilet frequently, it is good for pregnant women to take a walk or stretch their legs in order to avoid blood clot formation. 

If you are travelling during pregnancy in a car, then it would be ideal to plan a short journey, as long car rides can become extremely uncomfortable. Nevertheless, if you have a long journey ahead, make sure to take breaks in between. Furthermore, you should also carry snacks with you and a neck pillow. If you suffer from motion sickness, it might be better to opt for an alternative mode of transport, as persistent nausea can prove to be a serious cause of discomfort.

For pregnant women travelling via train, firstly, you should book your tickets well beforehand so that you can get your desired seats. It is best to book the lower berth, as it might be unsafe for pregnant women to climb up to the middle or upper berths. After you reach the station, you can opt for a porter if your station is too far away or you have too much luggage. While travelling, it is best to stick to homemade food and healthy snacks to avoid any discomfort or sickness. Another point to keep in mind is it is difficult to maintain balance in a moving train. Hence, do not move around too much. Also, be sure to stay steady in the washroom.  

Travelling during pregnancy need not necessarily be a cumbersome experience. In fact, if you keep certain factors in mind, the whole process can be very smooth and easy for you. To add to your ease, you can opt for Bajaj Allianz Overseas Travel Insurance, which will help you take care of any kind of unforeseen situation while travelling. Both medical and non-medical emergencies are covered under this comprehensive insurance plan. Furthermore, another key feature of Bajaj Allianz Overseas Travel Insurance is that it can be tailor-made according to the needs of the customer. Additionally, there are no delays in claim settlements, as the entire process is automated. The customer service is also impeccable, and hence, you can expect a quick response to all your queries.