How To Travel Safely When Pregnant

If you are heavily pregnant or have been before, then you already know how uncomfortable it can be to travel in a car; even if it is only for a short distance such as from your home to the grocery store. It would perhaps be more comfortable if you could just stay in the house or within the vicinity of your house but after nine months, you will probably feel like the walls are closing in on you. Besides, there are many occasions that necessitate traveling from time to time and staying at home is as infeasible as it is unadvisable. You need not suffer when car traveling just because you are pregnant, with the right kind of preparation and precautions, you will find that traveling when pregnant is not half as bad as it may seem to be.

Most women are concerned about their safety when traveling in a car while pregnant, especially if they are the ones doing the driving. But it is perfectly safe to do so, provided you take the necessary precautions. You may have to stop more frequently than usual for rest or bathroom breaks but there won’t be any major changes. When the pregnancy is well advanced however, it is more advisable to let yourself be driven as your bump may hinder you from driving well. Generally, it is much more comfortable to travel in your own car rather than use public means. This way, you have more room for movement; you can stop when you wish to either to rest or for one of those bathroom breaks which come ever so often but at least its not as noisy and congested as when you travel in a public vehicle.

A common worry among pregnant women is that wearing a seatbelt will put pressure on the stomach and the baby especially in the event of an accident. But it is much safer to wear a seatbelt, and not wearing one is breaking the law, even if one is pregnant. The lap belt should be placed beneath the bump while the shoulder bump goes across the bump and between the breasts. It is also advisable to take a break from the drive at regular intervals to enhance blood flow otherwise you will suffer from swollen feet. If the pregnancy has induced a back ache then you should travel with a small pillow to support your back.

If the journey is too long, it is advisable to have snacks with you to ensure that you are well nourished during the journey and combat blood sugar related discomforts such as dizziness. It is also important to carry a bottle of water to keep you hydrated during the journey. Most important of all, it is advisable to ensure that you are fully prepared for any eventuality. Have copies of your prenatal records and avoid traveling alone especially in the final stages of the pregnancy. It is also important to always have a phone and to register for breakdown services to cater for any eventuality.

By: Levi Quinn

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