When is it good to travel?
The best time to travel is the middle of your pregnancy say 20 to 32 weeks.
You should out the other end of all the initial pregnancy concerns with miscarriage, nausea, etc and have completed all the early pregnancy testing. You are far enough away from term that labour is unlikely and not so big that you will be too uncomfortable, have lots of swelling, excessive tiredness and possible pregnancy complications that are more common in advanced pregnancy.
It is generally considered that you should not be embarking on traveling any significant distance beyond 36 weeks gestation. This is because of the risk of going into labour while away. Imaging you is in a plane in the air and you go into labour? Huge implications!
Some (not most) airlines and some (not most) travel agents insist on you get a medical certificate from me stating it is safe to travel. This should not be a problem with domestic flights before 36 weeks.
Before deciding on traveling what do I need to do?
- Discuss with me whether there are any special pregnancy considerations in your case that means distance travel should not happen or should cease soon.
- Consider the quality of medical facilities that are available where you are going and, if travel by car, on the way. That is in case they are needed.
- Accept the possibility that because of a preterm delivery or other pregnancy developments you may be stuck at a remote place for some time.
- Check that your travel insurance (if relevant) will cover you for any unexpected pregnancy developments
- Consider vaccinations as are relevant and safe.
- Take other medications with you that you may need while away overseas. To seek medical support and medications in other countries may be more expensive, confusing and there may not be of the same high standard.
- Consider whether you are well enough travel. Being excessively tired, feeling heavy, ongoing nausea, etc while not medication contraindications are the sort of things that will make you think twice re pregnancy travel. Usually, you don't really have to go! You will enjoy your self more and it will be safer all round if your trip can be deferred until after you have your baby.
How can I make my travel more pleasant and safer?
- Try to have someone accompany you.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing
- Consider wearing antithrombotic stockings in travel (less chance of leg swelling and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Drink lots of water
- Exercise and stretch on the way. If travel by plane get up and walk up and down the aisle regularly. If by car stop, get out and have a stretch regularly
- Comfortable seating. Aisle seat is easier especially to access the toilet and going for a walk. Business class travel is the better option if possible
- Limit your luggage and have a 4 wheel pull on bag if possible as it is less strain on your back
At the other end?
- Try to relax rather than be rushing around
- Be more aware of the risk of food poisoning and water contamination
- Drink bottles water rather than tap water
- Stay in comfortable and clean accommodation
- Call / email / Facebook message me if any problem. I want to know!
And after I have had my baby?
- It is generally considered you are safe to travel with your baby after your six week postnatal visit
- Breast is best! It is more convenient and there is less risk of infection if your baby is breast fed rather than bottle fed
- Put your baby on the breast / give bottle with take off and landing. This will help minimise pressure changes effecting your baby's ears
- Arrange special seating on the plane with the baby bassinet
- Think safely and cleanliness at the other end.
- Check with your paediatrician re vaccinations for your bay as relevant
- Check with travel insurance re adequate cover