Who says you can’t travel with a baby in utero?
Being pregnant does not mean you have to take 9 months off of exploring the world, it just means you may want to modify some of your activities and take necessary precautions. Since travel is an important part of my life I made sure to take a trip in every trimester which had its own set of challenges.
If traveling in third trimester get a Doctor’s note
Most airlines are fine up until the last month, although with high risk pregnancies or multiples it’s a good idea to have a doctor’s approval for the safety of everyone involved and in case the airline requests a note. This is especially true with any international flights.
It’s a good idea to get a doctor’s note anyway if you feel like you’ll have to cancel your trip for any reason. My last trip during my third trimester I came down with a cold a few days before my flight. I’ve traveled with colds before but being pregnant and having a cold at the same time was pretty much akin to having the flu without any medication for relief. It sucked. I ended up going on that trip anyways, but it was nice to have it just in case I needed to cancel last minute and make a case to the airline to give me a voucher for future travel or change my flight without a penalty.
Consider purchasing travel insurance
Travel insurance is a good idea when you have “pre-existing medical conditions.” Although health insurance can’t discriminate based on this, basic travel insurance and airlines and hotels with stringent cancellation policies definitely can. Sometimes there are waivers for certain situations such as travel to a country with the Zika virus purchased before the gestation date. Especially traveling internationally it’s a good idea to purchase a travel insurance plan that cover pre existing conditions and medical evacuation.
Bring your own snacks and plenty of water
You need more water when you’re pregnant and flying causes dehydration, so with that combination it’s important to hydrate ahead of time and choose an aisle seat for easier bathroom access. My favorite water bottle to bring for flying is a platypus “bladder” which is super compact so I can keep it in my purse and fill it up after I go through security. You also don’t want to end up hungry (or hangry) and at the mercy of airport food so bring your own craving-approved snacks. It’s not as easy to hold off when you’re eating for two!
Take it Easy
Make sure to take several breaks and plan your day with more time than you think you’ll need. Thankfully you can do most things while pregnant besides most amusement park rides, scuba diving and other adventure activities. Appropriate active things for a vacation include swimming, snorkeling, roller skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and yoga. I was surprised to learn that I wouldn’t be able to do things like biking and sledding even though it didn’t seem very intense, but it’s because those activities put me more at risk for falling. Of course, verify activities with your doctor or midwife first.
Watch your sun and heat intake
Skin is yet another thing that pregnancy changes and many people report hormonal acne and sun sensitivities. It’s probably not the best idea to work on a tan since burns and permanent sun damage are more possible while pregnant. Also not recommended are saunas, hot tubs, and tanning beds which increase body heat.
Have a Staycation
Feel uncomfortable traveling or have a high risk pregnancy where your Doctor recommends staying put? Consider traveling to a close destination where there is a hospital nearby or where you can get back home in a reasonable amount of time. You can stay in a part of town you’ve never properly explored, stay in the town over in a cute bed and breakfast, or relax in a yurt or cabin close by and stargaze- the possibilities are endless!
