The pregnant woman usually has some fears of travel. Especially in her first pregnancy, but the fears really result from not observing travel regulations for pregnant women and avoiding harm, which include:
- Prior coordination with the doctor; Especially when there are chronic diseases (such as: diabetes, high blood pressure), miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, or a previous premature birth.
- Review the vaccination record with the specialist doctor, and make sure that there are no additional vaccinations that must be taken according to the travel region.
- Monitor the state of health a few days before the trip, and informing the doctor of any complications or sudden occurrence.
- Communicate with the travel company before booking, and inform them of the pregnancy. It is also advisable to ask them about the possibility of canceling or delaying tickets in the event of any complications.
- Thoroughly look for obstetrics and gynecology clinics in the city to which she will travel and plan for that.
- Avoid traveling for a long time (more than 5 hours).
- Ensure that the travel time is determined in the 14th to 28th week (the safest period in pregnancy); To ensure that you are not disturbed by the difficulty of moving due to the extra weight, or the increase in complications during the last weeks of pregnancy.
- Avoid traveling to areas where diseases abound (e.g.: Zika and malaria).
Cases in which travel should be avoided:
- Eclampsia.
- Membranes rupture.
- Previous premature birth.
- Pregnancy with more than one fetus.
Flight time:
If it is confirmed that the mother and fetus are safe to travel; Care must be taken to add the important supplies, which include:
- Some important papers related to the mother's condition (e.g.: reports or pregnancy) test).
- Hygienic fluids to avoid dehydration during the flight.
- Some medicines (e.g.: pain killers, ointment for hemorrhoids, ointment for mosquito bites) and first aid.
- It is preferable to have an accompanying person at the time of travel to provide support in the event of any complications during the trip.
Traveling by plane:
It is one of the most used options at the time of travel, as it is preferable to choose the appropriate seat on the plane and be near the aisle. During the flight, some exercises for the feet and legs must be done to stimulate blood circulation, prevent pain and reduce fluid retention, such as:
- Raising the feet.
- Bending and extending the knees.
- Extend the leg while moving the foot in a circular motion.
- Walk down the aisle.
Traveling by car:
It is an option available for nearby destinations (e.g.: villages and governorates), taking into account these notes:
- The travel period shall be as short as possible.
- Someone else is driving.
- Place the seat belt under the hip (abdomen) and between the breasts.
- Stopping and going out for a walk from time to time.
Ship travel:
Before choosing a trip, it is recommended to consult a doctor about medications that help relieve seasickness.
Vein thrombosis:
It is a condition in which small blood clots form in the veins of the legs or in other areas of the body, and infection with them can lead to their transmission to the lungs. Where sitting or not moving for long periods of time (such as: long travel during pregnancy) is one of the reasons for increasing the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT); Therefore, the following steps must be taken to reduce the risk of infection:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Walking and stretching from time to time.
Travel medical care:
Obstetrics and gynecology clinics and emergency services must be identified in the area to which she will travel; To avoid any complications from emergency matters, and visit them immediately when the following occurs:
- vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic or abdominal pain or cramps.
- Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- Signs of deep vein thrombosis.