Get Your Doctor's Clearance and Drink Lots of Water! Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

Traveling during pregnancy can be fun, but some moms-to-be might also feel a bit nervous about taking long trips while they are carrying their babies. The good news: As long as you consult your doctor about your plans and bring all of your essentials with you, you can have a safe and memorable trip!

Check out these 7 tips for traveling while you are pregnant, from the moms of Smart Parenting Village.

Talk to your ob-gyn first

Before you leave for your trip, don’t forget to ask for your OB-Gyn’s clearance first! As one mom pointed out, your doctor needs to know where you are going and how long you will be there so they can give you the medical advice you need. A visit to the maternity clinic is important because it will allow you to ask your doctor any important questions you may have. They will also be able to prescribe medicine if necessary.

Do your research

Aside from just knowing where you will be staying, find out where the nearest hospitals and pharmacies are, in case you encounter an emergency during your trip. Another important type of research you should make is on any restrictions or requirements the airline may have for pregnant women.

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Prepare all your essentials

The moms of SPV included the following in their list of travel essentials: medicines and vitamins, compression socks, alcohol, white flower oil or Katinko ointment, wet wipes or tissues, and travel pillows. One mom shared that she would always bring petroleum jelly to moisturize her tummy and nipple balm for her sore nipples. Another commented that she brought uterus relaxant on her trips. Other items that many of the moms said they always take on their travels are shawls, umbrellas, small towels, and jackets.

Bring your medication

Of course, don’t forget to take your vitamins and medicines with you! Some moms of the Village said that their doctors instructed them to take “pampakapit” medication during their travels. But in general, make sure you have all of your prescribed meds with you. It might also be a good idea to bring prescriptions and other important documents, in case you might need to buy medicines while on your trip.

Dress comfortably

Whether you’re traveling by car, by ship, or by plane, make sure you to dress up in comfortable clothes. Many of the moms on SPV shared that they always bring pillows with them. Compression socks are also a must. As one mom commented, “For traveling, please choose comfy, light and the most needed clothes only. Also, flat shoes or sandals are important. The point is you have to be comfy while traveling.”

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According to the American Pregnancy Association, wearing compression socks and dressing in loose-fitting clothes can help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots form in the veins of the legs or other parts of the body and which is typically caused by sitting or not moving for long periods.

Keep yourself hydrated and full

Most, if not all, of the moms who shared their comments on SPV, said that water is something they never forget to bring during long trips. Drinking lots of fluids is another way to decrease a pregnant woman’s risk of having DVT, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Another very popular answer: Bring a bagful of snacks with you! Some moms said that they would always have crackers in their bags and candies to battle dizziness or the urge to vomit.

Take breaks now and then

Make it a point to take some moments throughout your trip to go on a quick walk and to stretch your arms and legs. If you’re traveling by plane, ask the flight crew if you can take quick walks at certain points during the trip. If you’re traveling by car, ask the driver to make pit stops so you can stretch a bit or go on bathroom breaks as needed.

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