Take care while travelling


Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour Tips

The holiday season has started. One of the most important questions that most pregnant women ask if whether it is safe for them to take the journey? By taking a few precautions one can have fun and yet ensure that you are comfortable

Summer vacations have started. And everyone needs a holiday. An important question which rises in the mind of a pregnant women is, “Is is safe to take up any kind of travelling plans during pregnancy?”

No matter whether you travel by car, bus, train or plane, it is generally safe for you to travel at all times during pregnancy as long as there are no identified complications and you follow certain tips. This help you to make the trip more comfortable and safe;

  • In case of travelling by air, the second trimester is the best period. The risks of miscarriages and premature labour are lowest during this time. As a result, you are mostly free from morning as well motion sickness. 
  • Avoid going to countries which are known to have cases of malaria or influenza. In case, going to such places turns inevitable, consult with your practitioner, and take necessary precautions. 
  • Air travel is known to cause dehydration for lesser humidity levels in the cabin. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the flight. 
  • Try to get seats with more leg room. Taking an aisle seat would be a good option for easy movement to restrooms. 
  • In case you are travelling by car, wear a seat belt. It is very important for your safety whether one is pregnant or not. But during pregnancy, it should be kept in mind that seat belt is worn below belly, never around or above it. 
  • If you have motion sickness, sit in the front seat and open the window for fresh air. 
  • In order to maintain good blood circulation in the body and avoid cramping and swelling of legs, keep starching, rotating, and wiggling your legs to maintain good circulation. 
  • Take small breaks after every hour or so, in case of long drives. More out of the car, stretch your limbs, take in fresh air and relax with yourself. 
  • The back seat provides the highest comfort to a pregnant woman as it is more spacious than the front seat. Sitting on the back seat and stretching your legs all over a comfortable car journey. 
  • Though trains have more space to walk, but the restrooms in trains are usually small. Even while taking a journey by train, the best thing possible is to sit and hold on to the seat backs in the moving train. 


(Tips by Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour, Infertility Expert and Gynaecologist, SCI Healthcare)

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