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Holiday Travel Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
During the holiday season, many make the journey to travel home or visit distant friends or family. If you’re pregnant this year, how does your pregnancy affect your holiday travel plans? Can you maintain a safe pregnancy and keep your traditions in place at the same time?
Travel exposes you to contagious diseases like the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory viruses. Traveling while pregnant may not be physically comfortable. You may also have concerns about the safety of your baby and pregnancy while away from home.
However, for people with low-risk pregnancies, it’s often worth the trouble to travel home for the holidays and reconnect with generations of loved ones. You’re growing your family, and spending time celebrating holiday traditions may feel more important than ever.
Board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges and the team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin of Odessa, Texas, support patients throughout pregnancy. With Dr. Bridges’ care, you can assess your risks, put the right plans into place, and have a happy, healthy holiday season. In this blog, Dr. Bridges provides tips on traveling while pregnant.
Tip #1: Talk to your doctor
Let Dr. Bridges and the Women's Health Partners of the Permian Basin team know about your holiday travel plans. That way, you benefit from personalized advice and support.
In some cases, medical risks may mean that you should reconsider leaving home. If you’re at risk of preeclampsia or preterm labor, celebrate safely and avoid travel.
Tip #2: Take stock of the timing
Travel impacts you differently in the first, second, and third trimesters of your pregnancy. How far along will you be by the holidays?
In the first trimester, travel may slightly increase your risk of bleeding. And, as you reach the end of your third trimester, you begin to run the risk of labor. It’s not advised for pregnant women to travel by commercial flight after reaching 36 weeks, as you may not have sufficient access to medical care when in the air.
Tip #3: Protect yourself against infection
This year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines offer you protection from infectious diseases during holiday travel. If you’re traveling internationally, talk to Dr. Bridges about your vaccination needs. While many vaccines are safe during pregnancy, others may not be a good idea for you right now.
You can also increase your protection from infectious diseases by wearing a face mask and frequently washing or sanitizing your hands during travel.
Tip #4: Plan ahead
Holiday travel almost always involves a lot of planning. With a pregnancy, there’s even more preparation ahead than usual.
Pack comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Bringing water and snacks may be a good idea. You may also want to pack safe-for-pregnancy motion sickness or nausea medication.
You should also plan for medical emergencies. Make sure you know where the closest hospital will be when you arrive at your destination, and what kind of obstetrical care is available.
Tip #5: Consider your comfort
Traveling while pregnant can be physically stressful. Take good care of yourself this holiday season.
While traveling, pay attention to your physical needs and comfort. Stand up and move around as frequently as you can to improve blood flow and decrease your risk of deep vein thrombosis. You may find that compression stockings help support your comfort, as well.
Position seat belts underneath your pregnant belly. This position is comfortable and safe.
When you reach your holiday destination, continue to take it easy and only participate in safe activities. If a situation feels too strenuous, make your excuses. This year, put yourself and your pregnancy first.
With the right tips and tricks, you can enjoy safe, joyful holiday travels while pregnant. For personalized advice and support, contact Women's Health Partners of the Permian Basin online or over the phone now and schedule your appointment.
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