It has been an exciting and at times tiring winter, spring and now summer here in Norway. Our little family is almost embarking on a new adventure and heading to the unknown destinations: travel and outdoors with two babies/toddlers/kids instead of just one! As the due date is creeping closer and closer, I thought I’d gather some tips for traveling while pregnant from my own experiences.
Before I start I just wanted to note that both of my pregnancies have been relatively easy. No morning sickness, no swelling – nothing really. Or that’s how it was until towards the end of March this year when I had bit of crash and burn with the current pregnancy. I think the combination of lack of sleep, lack of any kind of rest really, busy times at work, lots of travel and too high ambitions of what I could do all contributed to the meltdown, which led to a month or two of taking it very easy. With proper rest and more realistic assessment of what I can do, life is back to pretty normal now, and we have been able to do some great trips while waiting for the new arrival.
Pregnancy & Travel
1. Consult your doctor. This is the very first thing to do. The recommendations regarding travel, especially by plane while pregnant vary from country to country, but in my experience traveling has been at its easiest in the first two trimesters. When you go past that, things get bit more uncomfortable but if you are otherwise healthy, there should be no reason not to travel.
2. Check airline policies. Airline policies vary also from airline to airline, but the most common policy here in Europe is that you can fly up to 4 weeks before your due date. In some countries domestic flights can be taken up to 2 weeks before the due date also. Some airlines have required a doctor’s note at the check-in or when boarding.
3. Blood clotting and pregnancy. When flying or driving long distances, watch out for any kind of unusual swelling, pain and tenderness in your legs. Take frequent brakes or move around in the plane if possible, and see a doctor immediately if you suspect a blood clot.
4. Take it easy. This has been the hardest lesson for me to learn. Take it easy! Travel to places where you can have plenty of rest if needed, and make sure that you have some extra days for recovery when you return home.
5. Food and drink. This is quite individual, but during both of my pregnancies I have needed frequent snacks and mealtimes, and plenty of water. If you feel the same, pack up some healthy snacks for those moments you really need bit of extra food or drink.
6. What to pack? Besides the absolutely essential prenatal chart and the optional extra snacks, I haven’t really packed anything differently to my normal travel. In fact, I have found packing to be easier while pregnant as the options when it comes to my wardrobe have been so limited!
Have a look at also my “Survival Guide to Travel, Outdoors & Work while Pregnant” in my personal blog Destination Unknown for more on travel and also outdoors while pregnant.
Have you traveled while pregnant? What would you recommend or add?
Feature image by the beautiful Sweden-based photographer
Louise Eleonore.
I love to explore the world to new destinations. If you love traveling as much as I do, please
subscribe to Skimbaco Travel weekly email and never miss a travel post.
