One of the most asked questions during pregnancy is whether it is safe to travel. The answer is yes. The best and safest time to travel during pregnancy is between 12 to 28 weeks of your pregnancy. This period is when you will have an enjoyable experience. Ensure you consult your doctor before traveling, especially if your pregnancy is high risk.

Here are some tips and advice for pregnant travelers.

Pick the right destination

If you are traveling, do some research about the area you want to travel to. Check how long the place is from your departure. Try choosing a site within a three-hour flight since a long-haul flight may cause complications to your pregnancy. If you feel tired when traveling, you can stretch and move along to avoid getting blood clots caused by sitting for an extended period.

Avoid traveling to locations that require you to get vaccinated. It would be best to avoid high-risk areas such as tropical destinations since you are prone to get diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, or yellow fever. If you cannot avoid traveling to these areas, you should visit your doctor before taking the vaccine, sine she will advise you on the safest option.

Plan ahead

When traveling, carry your maternity notes and medical records if you need medical care during travel. You can also bring a medical kit that has drugs recommended by your doctor that you may need while traveling. Get travel insurance that specifically states that it will cover complications of pregnancy. Travel insurance is helpful since it will cover foreign medical care when you travel abroad.

Keep in mind there are ways to monitor the progress of your pregnancy while traveling. From gender predictor tests to fetal doppler devices, remember to pack these and other tools for getting to know your baby better. After all, your baby is along for the ride, whether they know it or not!

If you plan to travel, schedule a check-up with your doctor before. Check with your airline if you are traveling on a plane to check their regulations. Some airlines have restrictions on what period during your pregnancy you are allowed to travel, and others require you to have a doctor’s note indicating whether it is safe for you to travel.

Research about the medical facilities near the place you are traveling to. Avoid as much as possible traveling to remote areas when pregnant. Also, check the weather conditions of the destination you are traveling to and choose the best weather.

Pack safely for your trip

If you are pregnant, ensure you pack as light as possible, especially traveling alone. It will help you carry your luggage easily and not get tired. Since you are pregnant, you will likely get tired easily.

Ensure you pack comfortable and simple clothing and wear comfortable clothes when traveling. You can try on your clothes before packing to make sure they fit you well.

Take it easy, and don’t push yourself

When pregnant, you should avoid holidays that require adventure activities, non-stop shopping, and extended tours with a tour guide. Opt for vacations that need you to stay in your room and enjoy the room services.

Ensure you take breaks during your trip and get enough sleep. Do not push yourself to do so many things during your vacation, and do not shy away from telling your partner when you are tired. Prioritize your comfort and give yourself time to recharge your batteries when you feel tired.

Stay hydrated and eat healthy food

Watch your diet during traveling by eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, which will help prevent constipation which is common during pregnancy. You can pack healthy snacks such as cereal bars in your bag which will help you get hungry in your journey.

Ensure you stay hydrated while traveling by drinking plenty of water; always carry water with you. Avoid using tap water and instead use bottled water if you are not sure whether the tap water is safe for drinking to avoid stomach upset since some of these medications are not suitable for pregnant women.