What to expect when expecting? Traveling while pregnant?

So, you are currently or planning to be pregnant soon, or just plain curious. Learn more about to do's and NOT to do's when expecting.

First of all, yes. Mrs is pregnant, and that is the greatest gift and news we have heard in a while. This would be our second child, and the eldest is little miss 7 years old this April 2016.

This is why if you may be wondering there is a bit slowdown in the frequency of posts on our blog to focus more on the health and well-being of the expecting mother, and also for safety purposes as advised by the professional, we will be moving a lot less for the next couple of months.

However... we will be featuring by request thru certain online communities, other couples, who are Mr & Mrs Wanderlust themselves, all around the world to contribute some stories or just share their adventure to us.  

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*Art by: Oleksiy Maksymenko from Fine Art America

Travelling during pregnancy

Pregnancy is such a blessing especially if a product of love. But it is not all bed of roses, as there are many changes going through a pregnant woman's body, both physically, and due to hormones, sometimes they have different moods, taste issue with foods (even if they previously love it), crave for different random foods , and has a keen and irritable sense of smell too.

​It is all about moving, from point A to point B. However, add pregnancy to the jig and travel can either become good, or unsafe.

So whether you are traveling for business or leisure, make sure that you consult your Obstetric professional (OB-GYN) in advance. If you have a healthy pregnancy, you should be able to travel around. But make sure that you follow any limitations and restrictions that was advised to you by the professional.

Now, if you have the GO signal from your medical professional to travel during pregnancy, here are some TIPS to make your travel more comfortable.
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(1) Drink plenty of water.  Keep hydrated. Avoid caffeine and other sugary drinks, just water.

(2) Plan frequent breaks. Plan and find all the rest stops . Even if you don't need to use the restroom, taking time to walk around can help you feel your best.

(3) Be prepared for carsickness. Even if you've never been carsick, you might need to keep a barf bag handy.

(4) Pack your pillow. If you are a passenger, recline your seat and take time to snooze. Car travel might be a sure way to get you to sleep.

(5) When traveling by air, you'll face more obstacles. You should first know the airline's policy on travel during pregnancy and just to make sure you'll be allowed to fly.

(6) To minimize swelling in your feet and ankles, take occasional walks up and down the aisle or to the impossibly small airplane restroom. When you're seated, flex and extend your ankles often. 

(7) If you're traveling near the end of pregnancy, consider packing a copy of your prenatal records. You'll be able to easily share the information with a local health care provider, in case anything happens while you're away from home.

(8) American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says the best time to fly is between 14 and 28 weeks—the second trimester, when medical emergencies related to pregnancy are least likely to occur. Also, it is when you should have more amount of energy and still feel comfortable.

Mostly, commercial airlines allow pregnant women to travel up to 36 weeks, though some require medical clearance from a doctor for third trimester travel (international flights may have an earlier cut off).

Pregnancy Packing Checklist

Whatever it is you are planning, whether a quiet and relaxing "baby honeymoon" or going off on a quick business trip, travelling when pregnant gives a distinct set of obstacles. Below are some of the essential items to help you have a safe and worry free trip.

(1) Healthy snacks
It is always best if you have extra munchies on hand while you're travelling especially in an event of delays or airplane food you just cannot eat. Eating small meals frequently also helps to relieve morning sickness. Dried fruit, cereal bars, wholemeal biscuits and any other snacks you prefer. If you're taking any pregnancy vitamins, make sure you have them packed too.

(2) A bottle of water
Make sure you never forget to carry a bottle of water with you at all times. It is important for keeping hydrated during your journey and throughout your trip. When travelling via air, (and they don't allow bringing more than 100 ml of liquid) you can buy a bottle of water or refill an empty one when you get through security. 

(3) Wipes and anti-bacterial hand gel
Items like these will keep you feeling fresh and clean especially if you're going on a long trip. And they are most definitely handy while eating and also on those toilet stops.

(4) Your maternity notes
Don’t forget your maternity notes, especially if you’re in your third trimester. Then if you do have any issues while you're away, the local midwife or doctor will be in the best possible position to help you. Their notes will also assist your own doctor and midwife when you return home. 

(5) Identification 
Be sure that your passport is valid for the next six months after your return date. It is mind boggling how many people arrive at check-in only to discover theirs passport has expired. Now if you are suffering from pregnancy-related forgetfulness, you might want to double or triple check your passport and other important documents before you leave your house.


(6) A letter from your doctor or midwife 
It only applies if you're flying after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Most airlines at this stage will require a letter from your doctor or health professional before allowing you to fly. Better to have them handy from 24 weeks, just to be sure.

The said letter must disclose your due date and confirm that your pregnancy is healthy and that you are fit to fly. Some airlines have a standard letter online that you can print off and get signed by your doctor or health professional. 


(7) Any medication prescribed by your doctor
When travelling abroad, it is advisable to carry a note from your doctor explaining your medication and why you need it. This may differ from country to country, so better check with your travel agent, airline, or do some research before you go. Usually these documents are not required in popular tourist areas, but may be worthwhile if you're going to a place or country that might have different rules. 


(8) Travel insurance documents
General multi-trip travel insurance is advisable and if you already have one, make sure it is still valid now that you're pregnant. If not, you may look for an appropriate single-trip policy. 

Also, write your insurer's helpline number on several postcards and keep them in different places. Give one to your travelling companion too. Then, if your luggage is lost, you'll still have a copy in your handbag or pocket.


(9) Contact details for a local doctor or hospital
It is advisable that you have all the emergency contact list with you. This includes, your local doctor or hospital, and also address and phone of your country's embassy in foreign soil, which may come in handy if an emergency takes place.

If you're going abroad, do some research online before you go. Check out the official healthcare website of the country you're visiting, or ask your travel agent for the details. Make sure you know the number for emergency services at your destination too.


(10) Contact details for people at home
Definitely, it is reassuring to know that you can easily contact anyone who may need to know about any delays. Make sure you include everyone useful you can think of, from your insurance company to your neighbor to check your house once in a while. Also, you should tell your travel companions where you've put your list of useful numbers, just in case you do have a problem while you're away. 

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Do you have pregnancy travel stories, or tips that you want to share? Let us know!

**Sources:
[a] Lloyd's Pharmacy / [b] Fine Art America, by Oleksiy Maksymenko / [c] Babycentre.co.uk / ​[d] Travel.QC.CA / [e] NHS.UK

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