Vital Travel Supplies When Pregnant

Welcome to Travel+Experiment!  

Travel at any time during pregnancy does not pose a risk to the pregnancy; however, you should be prepared to obtain care where ever a problem should arise. It is very important to plan ahead of time for any schedule trip. It is highly recommended to plan for any contingencies in place such as travel sickness, packing a light meal or snacks or stays dehydrated.

It is important to pack the right travel gears to avoid pregnancy problems, health issues, what causes it and how to feel better. Pregnancy changes the mood very quickly. You might be feeling perfectly doing fine before the travel but on the day of the travel you might have worst experience because of morning sickness.

It is advisable for you to dress accordingly to show off your baby bump to expedite and relieve some headaches from crowded places. Most large metropolitan city gives special privileged to pregnant women when it comes to being served or forming in a line.  Be advised that this is not always the case and most occasions.

Here are the ideas of what you need to bring. 

Prenatal Vitamin/Multivitamins

Prenatal vitamins are an important part of pregnancy nutrition. Be sure to include these vitamins in your travel, how and when to take it. A well-rounded diet should supply all of the nutrients you need during your pregnancy. A multivitamin or mineral supplement may be required to get rounded for nutrients that are needed for your body. As always follow your gynecologist or doctor advised in concerning your health.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

It is also important to travel along with you a pair of comfortable walking shoes with solid support. These can be a walking rubber shoes, ballet flats or supportive sandals. Wearing heels when pregnant pose a real hazard. It is best to wear extremely comfortable flat shoes as safety and a balance of comfort is the key consideration. In some cases, a good pair of supportive socks will relieve most of your discomfort.

Water

Staying hydrated at all times during traveling on a long flight or a car rides is important. Bringing a bottle of water is a must as you may not always be in a position to access water. The best ways to avoid getting dehydrated while travelling is to make sure you drink before you leave and always take a drink with you. Avoid getting dehydrated from drinking too many caffeinated or energy drinks. Caffeine is considered a diuretic which means it can make you lose more fluid. We brought an ice cooler with us to chill the water while we were traveling.

Camera

The most important consideration for travel photographers are size, weight and image quality in their cameras. Bring a camera that is not too big and heavy. Also, bring extra batteries and memory cards for you to have plenty of backups of your travel photos. These are the cheapest ways to manage photographs while on the road. If possible have a tripod with you to capture moments with your group/s.

Important Medical Records/Information

Most pregnant women can continue to travel by air up to 36 weeks into their pregnancy. Some airlines restrict third trimester travel and require a letter of authorization from the woman’s health care provider before she’ll be cleared to board. Be prepared, though- these travel authorizations generally need to be signed within 72 hours (no earlier!) of your departure day. Every woman and pregnancy is different, however, and you should speak with your medical professional before booking your flight. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you can travel, when, and up to what point during your pregnancy. Your provider will monitor you throughout your pregnancy to assess your risk; if you plan to travel extensively or frequently, be sure to ask your provider to keep you abreast of any changes in your risk profile. 

Airlines have different corporate rules about when you can fly up to when pregnant. Check the official website of the airline you are booking to find out when is their cut-off date for when you can fly up to when pregnant. Always get a medical certificate that clears you to travel. Even if you are well below the cut-off date for when you can fly while pregnant, having something in writing about how far along you are and how healthy the pregnancy is means there can be no arguments when you check in. Similarly, if you are carrying any medications with you, ask for your doctor to provide a letter stating why you need them.

Traveling with Prescribed Meds from the Doctor

Ask your doctor for copies of all your medical prescriptions with an official letter. If you give consent, your doctor can explain why you need these drugs. This is especially important if you have to carry controlled drugs or injections. A doctor’s letter can be very useful if you need treatment abroad, as it should provide essential information about your medical history. Carry the letter and prescription copies, along with your medicines, in your hand luggage. International rules for carrying medicines vary. Some countries do not allow certain medicines to be imported, or require official documents, such as a doctor’s letter, to prove drugs have been prescribed by a doctor and obtained legally. It is sensible to contact the relevant embassy or high commission of your destination to check what their drug transportation rules are before you travel.

Clothing

Staying comfortable is even more important when you're pregnant. The right clothes, shoes and accessories can make a real difference. Pack a range of clothes to help you stay cool on hot days and use light layers to stay comfortable when the temperature dips. Maternity versions of all your favorites: sundresses, shorts, and tank tops for warm weather retreats; or versatile sweaters, maternity jeans, and night-out dresses for cooler get-away. Also be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes with lots of support and blister pads. If the sun is fierce, pack extra sunscreen and a large hat. While pregnant, you can be more susceptible to sun damage.

Pack Healthy Snacks

Pack plenty of healthy snacks with you for the journey. Dried fruit, whole-grain crackers, power bars, and whole meal biscuits are all great options. That way you'll always have something tasty on hand, regardless of delays. Pack snacks, but pack light. They're much better for your baby than greasy airport food. Now you’re pregnant, a few extra precautions will keep you feeling well while you enjoy some local flavors. If you feel you can only eat certain foods that may not be available at your holiday destination, I advised you to pack some in your suitcase. It's a lot better than feeling ill and hungry while you're away.

Bathroom Breaks

Don’t be afraid to travel while pregnant should the need arise to use the comfort/bathroom/restroom breaks. Make sure you go to relieve yourself in the restroom before any long road trips. Our experienced during the road trip was taking advantage of rest stops that are located in every forty to fifty miles in between location. Most pregnant person avoids drinking or eating too much in fear that they can’t find restrooms during transit. Don’t worry too much about restroom as long as you plan ahead. 

Happy Travels!

Don't just keep this to yourself. SHARE!