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Travelling when Pregnant

Before travelling by plane, car or train when pregnant you should consult your healthcare provider, to ensure that your overall condition and especially your  medical conditions have been considered.

Before Booking A Holiday, Ask Yourself:

  • How many months pregnant will you be by then?
  • Is your trip going to be relaxing or active and will you be able to go along at your own pace?
  • Will you need any immunisations? Most vaccines are dangerous to your unborn baby or haven’t been tested, it’s important to speak to your healthcare professional
  • Can you speak the language or will you need a directory of English-speaking physicians? This will be important if you needed medical attention while travelling. Contact the Australian Government’s department of Foreign Affairs (smarttraveller.gov.au) and the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (iamat.org) for more information
  • Will the food and water be safe? It’s important to be careful of food poisoning as this can be harmful to your baby
  • Have you got travel insurance and does it cover pregnancy?

Travelling By Car:

  • You need to wear a seatbelt at all stages of pregnancy, it significantly reduces the risk of you and your baby being injured
  • Your seatbelt should be placed under your abdomen and across your upper thighs
  • Keep a safe distance from air bags, if sitting in the passenger seat move the seat back as far as you can. When driving, angle the steering wheel away from your tummy and towards your chest
  • In your third trimester, it is common to feel more fatigued, so bear this in mind when driving
  • Try not to take long journeys on your own
  • Make sure you feel well enough to travel that distance
  • Pack some nutritious snacks for when you get hungry
  • Make sure you are comfortable and consider using a cushion or pillow for back and neck support
  • Take your mobile phone with you and make sure it’s charged
  • It’s also a good idea to have breakdown assistance.

Travelling By Plane:

  • Before booking, check that the airline, your doctor and insurance company are all happy for you to fly
  • Women experiencing complications during pregnancy are advised not to travel
  • After week 34 of your pregnancy flying can trigger a premature labour and some airlines won’t let you fly after 35 weeks or may require a letter from your doctor
  • Consider booking an aisle or bulkhead seat to make it easier when you need to go to the bathroom and to give you some extra leg room
  • During the flight, place your seatbelt across your lap and under your bump
  • Make sure you stretch and move your legs while flying and think about using support stockings to help with circulation
  • Also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Make sure you avoid any over the counter medications unless they have been recommended by your doctor, these can be harmful to your baby.

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