In light of the birth of a baby boy on Nov. 29, while on a flight from New York to Orlando, a travel agency has issued holiday travel tips for pregnant women.
The holiday months are quickly approaching which explains why many are now on the fence about the travel plans that they made. A physically fit pregnant woman can safely pursue travel plans but it would be smarter to consult a healthcare provider first. Several precautionary travel measures worth taking are mentioned below so do take a look.
The second trimester is the ideal time to travel when pregnant as it is when their delicate situation is most comfortable and secure. During these months, morning sickness eases and energy levels are up. These are also the months a woman is least likely to encounter pregnancy related problems away from home. Lengthy travel plans may be better off postponed if only on the first pregnancy trimester to avoid miscarriage but the last trimester is also critical since premature delivery may occur.
Women carrying twins or have had previous miscarriages or premature deliveries should think twice about doing any traveling. Other arguments in favor of shelving travels are increased blood pressure and vaginal bleeding. In the event that problems show up while on extended leave it would be good to have medical practitioner referrals handy to take care of the situation for the pregnant mom.
Majority of expectant moms and their unborn kids are relatively safe to undergo air travel. A pregnant woman however should be through with all travel plans before she enters her last pregnancy month. Most domestic planes do let pregnant women get on if their bellies are past 36 weeks but for foreign airlines the pregnant passenger cutoff is 35 weeks they impose this rule to limit the possibility of delivering in flight.
About 5000 to 8000 feet of cabin pressure above sea level is kept by commercial planes cruising at elevated altitudes. Expectant mothers who are healthy have little difficulty adjusting to the minor dip in the oxygen content of the blood brought about by the limited air pressure. A woman with minor anemia on the other hand may exhibit temporary signs like hampered coordination skills and feeling faint.
But even pregnant women without anemia can demonstrate negligible changes in their heartbeat and respiration. Reduced cabin pressures can be harmful if a pregnant woman is seriously anemic or has sickle cell anemia. Supplemental oxygen might be necessary in such situations if the trip cannot be postponed.
Women in the family way can make their air journey worry free by taking some precautions. Moving around while seated comfortably helps keep swollen legs and blood clots from happening. Ask for aisle seats then spend a few minutes walking about in the cabin whenever airline people specify you can do it safely.
Pre flight food worth taking are those that do not strain the tummy or intestines. A pregnant woman has a particularly hard time dealing with in flight intestinal gas expansion. Mommies to be can combat the decreased aircraft humidity and prevent dehydration by keeping their bodies stocked with fruit juices and water. Some vaccinations might be unnecessary but to be sure pregnant women should ask their doctors about them before heading to a foreign country.
A car ride is just as safe and probably more pleasant for a pregnant mom to have. Just like air travel driving miles for hours on end could mean swollen lower extremities and an aching back. One way to avoid encountering such problems is to stop and stroll around every few hours. Seatbelts should be fastened whenever in the car especially for someone pregnant.
Pregnancy issues are not to blame for most deaths during pregnancy as automobile disasters are the real culprit. For the protection of both the mom and her unborn child the shoulder harness must be positioned above her uterus and the lap belt as low as she can make it on her hips. Pregnant women will definitely have a memorable holiday vacation provided they heed these tips and others from reliable healthcare sources.
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