Pregnant and traveling, they don’t go together? Indeed, distant countries, grueling long-haul flights, heat, stress, unfamiliar food and questionable hygiene conditions pose numerous dangers for mother and child. With our tips, you can nevertheless go on vacation completely relaxed despite your baby bump. Couples who would like to enjoy their togetherness one last time before the birth of their child on a trip together should choose the second trimester. Within this period, mother and embryo are out of the woods: morning sickness and initial difficulties are overcome and the unborn child is less sensitive and vulnerable. At the same time, in the fourth, fifth and sixth months, the belly is not yet so large that it would interfere and cause back pain. Before traveling, you should plan well, consult with your gynecologist and think about the right destination and the best means of transportation.
Pregnant travel by airplane
In the last eight weeks before the due date, most airlines allow pregnant women to travel only with special permission and a doctor’s certificate, because the risk of premature birth and miscarriage increases significantly here. Between the fourth and seventh month, however, there is nothing to be said against air travel. The increased radiation at higher altitudes and the cabin pressure cannot harm the embryo. However, you should bear in mind that the risk of thrombosis increases on long-haul flights, especially for pregnant women, and wear appropriate compression stockings. Make sure you find an aisle seat in advance so you can move your legs and have a shorter route to the toilet. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should always consult your doctor beforehand, as the physical stresses of air travel can be dangerous for mother and child. So far, however, every baby born to Lufthansa during a flight has come into the world safe and sound.
Pregnant travel by car
In general, there is nothing to stop you from traveling by car during pregnancy. If you can go to work, shopping or to the doctor by car, why not go on vacation? However, keep in mind that pregnant women are often prone to fatigue, lack of concentration and nausea. For longer trips, it is therefore advisable to take turns with your travel companion or have someone drive you right away. Plan enough breaks for toilet visits and rest, because the lack of freedom of movement in a cramped car is quite exhausting, especially for pregnant women. Be sure to buckle up properly. The belt should run between the breasts and below the abdomen. This way, all internal organs are optimally protected.
Pregnant travel by train
If you can reach your destination by train, you should prefer this means of transport over the others. Here you have plenty of space and freedom of movement, can stretch your legs on the aisle and do not have to stop extra for every pee break. Stress factors such as traffic jams or the difference in altitude on the plane do not exist here. Plan your transfer times generously to avoid unnecessary stress. Regardless of the means of transport you use, always take enough liquids with you. A 1.5 liter bottle of water should be it in any case.
Travel destinations during pregnancy
Consider well in advance where the trip should go. Optimal are destinations that you can reach in less than four hours, because longer travel times are enormously exhausting for pregnant women. The climate at the destination should be neither tropical nor cold and wet. Temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees are optimal. Mountain tours at low altitudes, adventure tours or camel rides through the desert are a great strain on the already stressed circulation of pregnant women. It’s better to play it safe and book a package tour in the Mediterranean region or in more moderate altitudes such as South Tyrol, Austria or Switzerland. If you vacation within Europe, you will be spared stress factors such as jet lag, extreme climate fluctuations, exotic diseases and unfamiliar foods. If you are nevertheless drawn to (far) away destinations, you should consult your gynecologist in advance and check possible vaccination requirements for the destination of your choice. Especially for tropical destinations, vaccinations are often required that pose risks for pregnant women or are even prohibited. In general, expectant mothers should only be vaccinated if it is absolutely necessary.So think carefully beforehand whether you want to put yourself and your child through these hardships.
Checklist before the trip
To ensure that you and your unborn baby have the best possible health care at your sunny destination, you should find out in advance about the medical treatment options available locally. If you need medication, have the doctor prescribe it in an appropriate amount before you travel and take too much rather than too little. Keep in mind that there may be language barriers with the doctor abroad. Especially in remote areas, you cannot rely on every doctor to speak English. Also, realize that your ten-year-old school French may not be sufficient to describe your ailments in detail to the doctor. Check with your health insurance provider about the scope of health coverage abroad and also take out travel cancellation insurance for emergencies. In many countries the hygiene conditions are not the same as in Germany. So pay attention to where and what you eat, drink water from a bottle rather than from the tap and wash fruit before you eat it. Better than in a hotel, you can pay attention to how hygienic and clean the food is prepared in a vacation apartment. As a general rule, whether you are going to the Black Forest or Australia, only travel if you are calm and free of worries and concerns. After all, if you spend your entire vacation holed up in a hotel for fear of endangering yourself and your baby, you’d be better off staying at home and relaxing on your balcony. Carefree, serene women, on the other hand, can enjoy their vacation and the anticipation of their child even in faraway destinations.