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Many pregnant women are wary of traveling. They don’t want to harm their health or their unborn child. However, today you can indulge in this pleasure if you plan wisely and consider your needs. Comfortable transportation, short distances, plenty of relaxation rather than activities, and reliable travel insurance for pregnant women will make your trip a memorable experience. Let’s find out how to implement this and what to look for.
Choosing the Right Destination for a Comfortable Trip
The first question you may be wondering is where to fly. Remember that the city you plan to visit should be safe, have access to medical care, and be comfortable.
With these points in mind, we wrote a list of essential things you should have at your country or city destination:
- High-quality healthcare. At least one emergency hospital and 24-hour pharmacies are essential.
- A climate that doesn’t experience sudden changes. Regions with extreme heat or cold are also unsuitable for you.
- Clean drinking water. This could be an abundance of stores where you can buy bottled water or purified tap water.
- Transportation options to choose from. It would be good to have a well-developed public transportation infrastructure, as well as taxi services.
Therefore, you can also draw conclusions about which destinations are definitely not suitable for you:
- Remote areas that are difficult to reach and lack high-quality healthcare.
- Mountainous regions.
- Countries with a risk of infectious diseases.
- Hot or cold locations.
After learning these points we concluded that there are many options to go. And all of them take into account the restrictions we mentioned above. You just shouldn’t choose something extreme in terms of duration or climate.
Understanding Airline Policies and Flight Restrictions
Did you know that some airlines have requirements for pregnant women? It is designed to ensure safety and a comfortable stay.
Here’s what companies ask or require from pregnant women:
- A medical certificate from the doctor after the 28th week of pregnancy.
- Flights are denied starting at the 36th week.
- Boarding is forbidden due to the required documents not being provided.
These are not long lists of requirements, but rather basic things for your own safety.
Remember that even air travel can be simple. Based on your own health and any chronic illnesses, you can plan your flight:
- Choose morning and afternoon flights to avoid a lot of tired moments.
- Sit in an aisle seat to make it easier to get up if possible.
- Drink water sparingly because the air in the airplane cabin is dry.
- Wear compression stockings to minimize swelling.
- Take a neck and lumbar pillow on board.
It will make your journey to your destination more comfortable. Most importantly, avoid very long flights.
Packing Essentials for Pregnancy-Friendly Travel
We wouldn’t say that a pregnant woman’s packing list will be significantly different from a non-pregnant woman’s. However, some items are still worth bringing:
- Prenatal vitamins.
- Medical records or any other medical reports.
- Medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Compression socks.
- Nutritious and light snacks.
- Comfortable clothes for various weather conditions.
- Thermal mug for drinking.
- Comfortable shoes.
A small bag with essential small items would also be a good idea:
- Wet wipes.
- Scarf or blanket.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Hand cream.
- Lip balm.
As you can see, there are no extra goods or things that you need to pack. So, your suitcase will be about the same size as it was before you were pregnant.
Staying Healthy and Comfortable Abroad
You should plan your travel plans in advance. Of course, you won’t be physically able to walk as much as you used to. Therefore, we’ve compiled several helpful tips for a successful trip:
- Move moderately and take frequent rest breaks.
- Avoid overheating and dehydration (bring a thermos with water).
- Eat safe, properly cooked foods.
- Return to your hotel or apartment for lunch and a longer rest.
Tip: Constantly monitor your body’s signals and minimize activity if necessary.
Building a Flexible Itinerary That Works With Your Body
Of course, we understand your desire to see more sights and places to relax. However, it’s important to remember the body’s special needs during pregnancy. Doctors recommend against excessive walking, even if you feel fine. Therefore, even if you’re not yet tired, it’s worth taking frequent breaks and resting on a bench or in a cafe. Here’s what else we recommend when planning a city itinerary:
- Plan more time than you think you’ll spend.
- Avoid using public transportation and other places during rush hour.
- Choose hotels near attractions.
- Minimize use of public transportation.
- Avoid long tours and all-day excursions.
- Don’t try to cover everything.
The main thing is to be flexible. After all, you may be full of energy today, but tomorrow you’ll need more time to rest. The fact that you’re going on a trip is already a big deal. So don’t overload yourself with a long list of places you want to visit. Leave room for some spontaneity if you have some free time.
Confidence Comes From Preparation, Not Perfection
By starting to plan your trip, you’ll truly understand that everything is possible. We recommend consulting with your doctor before your trip. Let a specialist advise you on the flight duration and whether you can travel at all.
Be sure to purchase insurance that covers maternity care. It is crucial, as it will ensure the safety of you and your baby.