Travelling During Pregnancy

The world around you is a buzz with the excitement of summer and you see happy travelers all around, with huge backpacks and equally huge smiles and cameras slung over their necks. You run you hand over your tummy with a warm but dubious smile and wonder if you can travel too, now that you’re pregnant. The answer is – yes. But make sure that you are well informed before you start. The first and foremost thing to do before you plan a trip is, talk to your doctor. They know you well, and more often than not, their reassurance is bound to clear all your doubts.

First Trimester

If you are travelling during the first trimester, travel by train or air if possible. Bouts of morning sickness can make travelling an unpleasant experience during this time. Talk to your doctor before taking the trip as the risks of a miscarriage are higher during the first trimester.

Second Trimester

The best time to travel via air, road or train during pregnancy is the second trimester. You will be most comfortable during this period. The fatigue and nausea of early pregnancy will have subsided by now. The risks of pre-term labour and miscarriage are also less during the second trimester.

Third Trimester

Travelling during the thrid trimester is permitted on airlines upto the 28th-36th week depending on airline policy. You may need a doctor's certificate for travelling in many cases. You can find the policies of Jet Airways, KingFisher and Indigo below

http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/ProductAndServices/ExpectantMothers.aspx
http://www.flykingfisher.com/travel-assistance/special-care/expectant-mo...
http://book.goindigo.in/skylights/cgi-bin/skylights.cgi?module=C3&page=H...

Indian Railways has a Lower Berth quota for pregnant women

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/now-rly-quota-for-pregnant-women/30536/

Avoid travelling by road as much as possible during the third trimester.

Travelling Tips

Road Travel

• Take frequent breaks and plan your travel such that you have clean restrooms to use in between.
• Stretch back your seat to a reclined position. This is more comfortable than a right angled position. This also helps you to maintain a safe distance from the dashboard while traveling by car and avoids hitting your stomach on the dash board in case of sudden braking.
• Wear your seatbelt below your abdomen and remember – there’s no need to rush, drive slowly.
• Avoid bumpy roads.
• Try to avoid night travel by road if possible. A long journey by bus at night is bound to be more stressful than it will be during the day.
• Ensure that your legs are not idle. Certain simple exercises like rotating your ankles and flexing your toes can be done at regular intervals. This gives your legs proper blood circulation and cramps are kept at bay.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Travel with a companion wherever possible.
• Carry a copy of your medical records and medicines along with you.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any long trips

Air Travel

• Choose an aisle seat. This will allow you to walk around during the flight.If available, choose a seat near a restroom.
• Fasten your seat belts below your abdomen.
• Avoid long international flights where you’ll have to spend long hours in the air.
• Stretch your legs often to avoid blood clots
• Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.
• If you have to catch connecting flights, choose flights with sufficient time gap between them. Rushing from one terminal to the next, while carrying two big suitcases is not advisable during pregnancy.
• Ensure that you have travel insurance, especially if you are travelling internationally.
• Carry a copy of your medical records and medicines along with you.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any long trips

Rail Travel

• Travel light
• Carry plenty of fruit and snacks
• Take short walks occasionally. However, do hold on to the railings for support. This is to avoid falling during jerks and sudden stops of the vehicle.
• Dress suitably rather than fashionably!
• Carry a lot of pillows with you to help you relax comfortably.
• Carry a copy of your medical records and medicines along with you.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any long trips