Tips on safe travel when pregnant

It’s perfectly normal to have swollen feet, legs, and ankles when pregnant, and the likelihood will increase when flying, as you are sitting for a more extended period in a restricted position. One way to reduce swelling is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before you jet off, and take a large water bottle on the plane.

Stretching your legs by walking down the aisle occasionally and standing up will help to get your blood flowing and reduce swelling. Before flying, purchase a pair of compression socks - they add pressure to the lower leg area to help blood flow and reduce discomfort.

If you’re taking a road trip this summer, you’ll likely experience swelling, so when possible, keep your feet elevated to help improve circulation and blood flow. Taking frequent breaks on your journey to get out and stretch your legs will help to prevent swelling.

Most airlines will allow you to fly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. But it’s important to check your airline’s flight policies before booking a flight, as you may be required to show documentation from your doctor stating that you are fit to travel.

In most cases, individuals can travel safely right up to their due date - but it’s important to discuss this with your obstetrician or another healthcare professional to see if it is ok to travel, as they can recommend safe precautious guidelines to avoid any complications.

If you often encounter motion or travel sickness, pregnancy can sometimes aggravate it. Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and sweating, which can all make traveling unpleasant for a pregnant person, but there are ways to prevent it.

WheAsk for a window seat wheeling by car, plane, or train. When possible, try lying back and closing your eyes or even look out the window at a fixed point, like the horizon. Try to get as much fresh air as possible before, during, and after your journey.

Distract yourself by listening to music, but don’t reach for a book, watch or movie or use an electronic device. Also, frequently snacking, keeping hydrated, and sucking on sweets can help to prevent motion sickness - as peppermint is known to help with nausea symptoms.

Travel insurance is important, especially during pregnancy. Having an insurance policy in place will keep you covered, in case you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to travel. Insurance companies will often cover costs like nonrefundable tickets, hotels, and excursions, but it’s important to read the fine print when searching for the best policy.

It’s also important to check your health insurance plan before you head off on your travels, as you will need to see if you are covered if you require medical support while on vacation.

At least a month before you travel, book a prenatal appointment, so they can check your health and how your baby is growing. They can also advise you on certain activities that you should and shouldn’t be participating in when on vacation.

You can discuss any health concerns you may be having, and they can provide you with specific vaccines and medication you may need for your trip.

When traveling, you should be wary of symptoms that could indicate a health problem - these include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain or contractions, severe headaches, persistent or severe vomiting, dizziness or faintness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you seek medical attention straight away.

Whether you’re visiting a new tropical destination, jet-setting to a bucket list city break destination, or traveling across the country for the perfect camping experience, it is always better to come prepared. With a travel safety kit, you can include things like prescription medications, anti-nausea treatment, reflux medication, and other essential items that you will need when traveling.