When you are an expectant mother, everything will be a little more difficult. You will need to plan for trips so that you can enjoy yourself more. Several things can make your trip more enjoyable. This post about travel tips for expectant mothers is brought to you by our friends at RUPreggers.com.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Mirock Photography
1. Try Not to Stress
Traveling brings out the stress in everyone. There is the stress of trying to remember everything you need, and the keeping the family corralled. When making the itinerary, you will want to make sure you add in time cushions for bathroom breaks, traffic, and getting lost. The more time you give yourself, the less likely you will be stressed about the trip. You will also want to plan to perform prenatal yoga in the morning and carry out breathing exercises as you get stressed.
2. Stay Active
When you travel, blood clots in the legs are very common. This is more so when you are pregnant. Plan for extra bathroom trips and take the time to get up and walk whenever possible. Road trips are easier to stop and get out to stretch. Airlines are cooperative with pregnant mothers who need to be able to walk the aisles occasionally.
3. Take Extra Snacks
Snacks are an important part of a pregnant woman’s diet. When you are traveling, you will want to make sure you have snacks packed so you can eat when you are hungry. It is best to pack some healthy choice items, such as carrot sticks or celery with peanut butter. Protein, fruits, and vegetables are all good choices when it comes to snacks.
4. Drink Water
Dehydration is a common problem for pregnant women, and dehydration leads to contractions. Regardless of the time of year, you should always pack water to drink throughout the trip. You will also want to consider this when you plan bathroom breaks.
5. Dress Comfortably
You will want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible on the trip. This means wearing yoga pants or maxi dresses that offer non-restrictive properties. You will also want to wear comfortable shoes that have insoles if possible. Maternity leggings are always a great item to have on hand as well to help reduce any pregnancy related swelling and discomfort that may arise. You may also go from hot to cold, so bring jackets just in case.
6. Bring Emergency Pack
Your emergency pack should have your medical records, insurance card, and doctor’s recommendations. You will also want to bring any medications and vitamins that you need. Finally, you should look at including hand sanitizer, lotion, and charging cables for your electronics in your pack.
7. Keep it Simple
When you are expecting, it is okay to have a simple suitcase. Wear simple clothing that is comfortable and lightweight. You want to relax on your trip so watch the weather and pack accordingly. In addition to wanting to stay comfortable, the lighter suitcase will be easier for you to transport to your room.
With these steps, you will find that traveling while pregnant will not be as difficult as it could be. You always want to keep your comfort in mind and plan for the unexpected. Traveling will be limited after the 32 week of pregnancy, so make sure you talk to your physician before leaving. They will inform you on whether it is safe for you to travel or not.
Sherry Compton says
Great tips and post. People talk about traveling in general and traveling with kids, but you want to pay close attention to your body when traveling pregnant. Don’t overdo, try to stay comfortable, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Good mention about the blood clots. They happen but sometimes are overlooked.
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
These are great tips. I didn’t do much traveling when I was pregnant, but I was extremely sick.
Stefani says
Great tips you have shared! I tried to not travel during any of my pregnancies (or at least not very far). Now I am trying to learn how to travel with all 4 of my kids without going crazy, lol.
JulieK says
First, you look AMAZING! Awesome photo! Second, every tip in this list is SPOT ON if I recall my pregger days last year correctly! You have covered it all I think. (Aside from hiring a traveling masseuse! hee!)
Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says
GREAT tips.. totally agree and keep the water handy and YES.. keep it simple…. I remember driving in a beat up “hubty” car with no struts (was a 1969 BMW) in the 90’s to Prague, it was like a 6 hr drive and I was 8 month pregnant.. YUP.. I was crazy… that was a day trip… looking back…. wouldn’t do it again…lol… so your tips a perfect and keep comfy… is all I can say
Janel says
Great tips. Extra snacks are SUPER important!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
Awesome tips, thanks for sharing. I think the food and drink are one of the most important things to remember – it’s so easy to forget to eat and drink enough. Oh and the medical info is one I would forget to bring along – good thinking!
Jennifer Soltys says
I cannot even imagine…. I get stressed just traveling by MYSELF. These are great tips should I ever need them!!! 🙂
Jai says
I’m not in any immediate risk of having to travel while pregnant, but if I’m ever travelling with someone who is, keeping these things in mind will help me to be a lot more helpful.
daisy says
These are all good tips, especially drinking water. I was not as good as I could have been about drinking water when I was pregnant, but then I realized what a good idea it was and felt better once I increased my water consumption.
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
I especially agree with the dressing comfortably! Good tips 🙂
Angela says
I didn’t do much traveling when I was pregnant, but all of these tips would have come in very handy.
Mitch says
Great tips! Even for us adoptive parents!
After our baby came, we had to force ourselves to eat, e could not stop staring at him!
thanks,
Mitch
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says
Dressing comfortable is my style–I want to look nice, not be sloppy or anything–but comfort is first and foremost before style for sure 🙂
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
Definitely wearing clothing that doesn’t pull and feel tight makes for a happier mama to be! Leggings are perfect for that!
Debra says
All great tips – I still try to follow most of them now that I’m not pregnant anymore (or again!). Being comfortable and hydrated with water is key.
Dawn Lopez says
These are some fantastic tips! Traveling while expecting is almost as exhausting as traveling with little ones… almost. Haha! Dressing comfortable is a total must!