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Pregnancy has a way of complicating life in ways you might never have expected. Getting up, eating breakfast and dressing for the day becomes a major feat with fatigue, morning sickness and a limited maternity wardrobe to stand in the way. When the ordinary routine requires extraordinary effort, a deviation from the norm, say a plane trip back East, has the potential to land you belly up on the couch with a quart of ice cream for comfort. Swollen ankles and an overactive bladder notwithstanding, it's likely you will either plan an excursion out of town or be required to travel unexpectedly at some point during your 9-month pregnancy. It's smart to know the dos and don'ts as well as the expectant mom perks that will make the journey to your final destination a little easier. Obstetrician/Gynecologist Dr. Ann Marie Raffo of Orange Coast Women's Medical Group ( ocwmg.com) says the best time to travel is in the second trimester. Most women are over morning sickness by then, they are feeling more energetic and they aren't on baby watch yet. Travel by air or other means in the first trimester is fine, unless you fall in the high-risk pregnancy category. As the due date approaches, it's best to cool your jets. "After 28-30 weeks, it's not a good idea to be too far from home," she says. Whether leaving on a jet plane, car, bus or train, make allowances for your condition. Bring along bottled water for hydration and healthy snacks to avoid a dip in blood sugar that could trigger nausea. Since pregnant women are in a hypercoagulative state, which means they are at a higher risk for blood clots, Raffo suggests getting up to stretch your legs and walk around every 30 minutes or so. When flying, keep in mind that your feet and legs may swell more than usual, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. If you are planning a trip that requires air travel, let the airline know you are expecting and find out if they offer early boarding or other perks. You may be surprised to learn that your bulging belly earns you the right to skip to the start of the line at security checkpoints and receive extra help with baggage. Also, be aware, some airlines restrict travel if you are nearing your due date. - By S. Danyelle Knight |
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