Travelling with a baby on the way? Check out these tips told to Forum .M. Gandhi by gynaecologists; Dr Atul Ganatra and Dr Rupa Shetty
Safest time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks as if there are any complications, they are most likely to occur in the first and third trimester.
Always inform your gynaecologist and check with them if it is safe for you to travel. Each woman's preganacy is different. What might suit one woman's body might not suit the other.
Pre-plan the whole trip. If you're travelling internationally, consider registering with the International Association of Medical Assistance to Travellers, which has a worldwide directory of doctors.
Once you reach your hotel, check with the reception for the contact details of local doctors and chemists. Have your medical reports, identity card, health discription, allergy lists at hand while traveling to a different country. It's best to have a diary and maintain all your record, especially in a foreign land.
Inform the hotel staff about the preganancy.
It is always safe to travel during the second tremister. The first and the last tremister a known to be a little risky.
Check for proper comfortable swimwear.
Avoid going into water above knee level. It is often suggested to wade in shallow swimming pools and not attempting to swim at all.
Also, carry the local map with you. The nearest hospitals will be marked out for you.
In flight
-Check with the airlines if a medical certificate from the treating doctor is required. It is always better to check the airline's pregnancy policy, before you book your tickets. A‘fit-to-fly’ certificate is required after the 28thweek. In case of multiple pregnancy/ complicated single pregnancy ‘Fit-to-Fly’ certificate from the airline is essential even before the 28th week. Post the 37th week of pregnancy women are usually not allowed to travel.
-If you're travelling in Economy class, ask for an aisle seat in the front row. The front row has more space and the aisle seat will prevent you from disturbing fellow passengers. To prevent your feet from swelling, wear maternity stockings and ensure you walk up and down the aisle at regular intervals.
-Drink a lot of water and juices to avoid getting dehydrated.
-Ask for a small pillow behind your back, in order to avoid any back pain.
-Wear comfortable lose clothes.
-Internationally, it is advisable to break the journey in smaller segments. You can choose to get off and explore each country en route to your final destination, if you plan in advance.
-Listening to music is suggested dutring flight journeys to keep your self calmer.
-Wear cushion claded chappels to avoid swellings in your legs.
-Fold your legs if possible.
-Carry an extra pair of clothes in case of emergency.
-It is recommended to carry peppermint in cases of nausea.
-Always carry your doctor's prescription and your medical file.
-Fasten the seat belt below the bump.
On the tracks
-Always carry mineral water from the city you belong or extra bottles of water from home.
-Avoid food on stations, if required buy packets of biscuits.
-Booking a side birth ticket is not suggeted. They are smaller in and might be uncomfortable.
-Do not lift your luggage on your own, always hire a porter.
-Travelling with a companion is advisable.
-You may find it useful to carry some medication for common bugs such as a cold or stomach infection. Check with your doctor about which ones to buy and avoid any over the counter medicines.
-Avoid walking between bogies, coaches or compartments, particularly when the train is on the move, as these are not the most stable sections to take a walk.
-Make sure your mobile is fully charged and your SIM works during the journey. You may want to carry a spare battery for your mobile in case it loses charge on the way. You never know when you may need to contact someone.
Drive by
-Avoid unnecessary long bumpy road journeys, especially in the first trimester, in the rainy season.
-Always wear a seat belt. If a long journey is planned, limit driving for 5 to 6hours in a day.
-ASk the driver to go as slow as possible and to avoid potholes.
-Choose the back seat.
-A former pregnant lady suggest that while sitting in front, lock the seat belt before you sit and only pull the diagnol strap, leaving the horizontal strap behind in order to avoid pressure on your abdomon.
-If travelling long distance via car, take breaks during the journey. Try splitting the travel time.
Cruising along
-A lot of cruises do not allow moms-to-be after the third tremister. Check with the cruise before you book your tickets.
-If you're prone to getting sea sick, avoid going on a cruise.
Tips for the companion
-The companion holds a very important role. It is suggested for the father-to-be to pre-natal and antenatal classes in order to be able to cater to the emergencies.
-An encouraging and understanding companion can make the journey much easier for the expecting mother.
-One should make sure that the pregnant woman doesnt carry bags that are too heavy.
-Monitor health, danger signs include vaginal bleeding, excessive vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, abdominal pain, contractions, watery discharge, leg swelling, severe headaches, visual disturbances.
-With inputs from expecting mothers; Noora D'mello , Suchta Rajpurohit and Shabnam
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}