In itself, pregnancy is not an obstacle to travelling.
On the contrary, if everything proceeds serenely and without any particular complications, travelling during pregnancy could be one of the last moments in which you can dedicate time to the couple which will disappear with the birth of the baby.
Let’s look in detail, therefore, at the best time to travel during pregnancy and which means of transport are most suitable for a pregnant woman.
Finally, you will find important recommendations in case you decide to go to the mountains orabroad.
N.B. This article is based on my experience as a pharmacist and mother. For personalised advice based on your medical history, always consult your doctor.
At what point in pregnancy is travelling recommended
The first trimester of pregnancy is the least recommended time to travel, not so much because of the risk of miscarriage. as because in the first few months you may suffer from nausea and you are much more tired.
On the other hand, there is no need to fear a risk of miscarriage as studies have shown that, in the first trimester, one in six women have a miscarriage, regardless of whether they travel.
The third trimester of pregnancy may also be the least suitable for travelling because the belly grows, you move with more difficulty, and several airlines do not allow you to fly in the last trimester.
The best period, therefore, remains the second trimester when you have more energy, the feeling of nausea gradually diminishes, and the belly is not yet bulky.
Travelling during pregnancy: means of transport
Flying during pregnancy
Theplane is by far the safest means of transport for travelling during pregnancy, but some precautions must be taken.
If the flight is short (a few hours), no special precautions need to be taken. Conversely, if the flight is longer than four hours, it is necessary to get up frequently and walk along the aisle to keep circulation active.
It may also be advisable to stay hydrated by drinking water frequently and reduce your caffeine intake.
Personal tip. Keep the medical certificate confirming your pregnancy and the prescription with any medications or supplements you need to take in your bag, so that you have everything at hand.
▶ You might also be interested in which medications to pack.
For more specific advice, such as the use of compression stockings or blood thinners , I refer you to your doctor.
Until when you can fly during pregnancy
To find out how long you can fly during pregnancy, you must contact the airline company directly as each has its own internal regulations.
In general, the deadline for travelling during pregnancy is 36 weeks, which is reduced to 32 weeks in the case of twin births.
Some companies require a certificate of fitness to fly as early as the 28th week of gestation.
Travelling by car and train
Even for cars and trains, there are no particular contraindications during pregnancy.
As far as the car is concerned, it may be useful to know that it is compulsory to wear a seat belt for the entire period.
The belt must be positioned below the bump and, although it may be annoying, its use remains mandatory during pregnancy.
As for the train, it may be useful to tuck a scarf and a jumper into your bag, in case of air conditioning.
In both cases, as we have already seen for the plane, it is necessary to take a walk at least a couple of times an hour, to avoid possible swelling of the ankles.
Riding a motorbike or bicycle during pregnancy
Riding a motorbike during pregnancy is absolutely inadvisable both because of the possibility of falling and because the vibrations stimulate uterine contractility.
Cycling , on the other hand, has no particular contraindications, but it is best to choose flat or mildly demanding routes, in the shade of trees and during the cooler hours of the day.
Travelling during pregnancy: recommendations
Here are some recommendations for travelling during pregnancy, which stem from my personal experience and which I hope will be of help to other mothers.
Travelling abroad in pregnancy: risky foods
Outside Italy, we have found some misinformation regarding the possibility of contracting dangerous diseases from food during pregnancy.
Diseases such as toxoplasmosis and listeriosis in some countries, even civilised ones, are not so well known.
The advice, therefore, is to avoid any dubious food that could put the baby at risk .
Pay attention yourself because, I repeat, there is often little knowledge on the subject.
At least, this has been our experience.
Mountains in pregnancy: maximum altitude
Walking in the open air, in the midst of nature, is certainly good for both spirit and body, even during pregnancy.
It
- do not exaggerate with exertion
- do not go to places that are difficult for help to reach
- remember to drink adequately and to supplement minerals with fresh fruit
With regard to themaximum altitude to which the pregnant woman can go, it is advisable not to exceed 2000/2500 metres in order not to get altitude sickness.
You can find an in-depth discussion in this article.
The problems of mountain sick ness are the same for everyone; the difference is that the pregnant woman cannot be treated because most drugs are bad for the baby.
Not to mention that, according to the study published in 2019 by the renowned International Journal of Cardiology. a lower oxygen supply to the foetus could cause severe stress on the heart, with a higher incidence of stroke.
In conclusion, if there are no pre-existing illnesses, that require preventive medical advice, green light to rejuvenating walks in nature, even during pregnancy, but without overdoing it.
And if, after trekking, you feel like a nice sandwich with fontina cheese, know that it is made from raw , unpasteurised milk, so you’ll have to wait until the birth to eat it!
