Do you remember the warm weather and lighter nights? The summer may seem like a distant memory, but before long we’ll all be booking our next getaway. In fact, January has long been established as the peak month for arranging travel, which makes sense as we dream of distant shores and warm sand during the cold winter months.
But if you’re pregnant and want to join everyone else in booking a big escape, you may be wondering if there are some limits to what you can do and how you can get there. To help you arrange your holiday, here are some top tips for getting around while expecting.Consider how you’re getting thereBefore you book your trip, it’s worth thinking carefully about where you’re going and how you’re getting there. What type of transport are you taking? How long will the journey take? The main reason why you need to think about these factors is that long journeys by car, train or plane can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is when clots form in the legs. This is a risk for non-pregnant people, too, but it’s something to consider if you’re traveling while pregnant as the weight of the baby can put pressure on certain points in the body. Therefore, how you plan a short-haul flight to Barcelona will be different to a long-haul flight to Barbados. Similarly, if you’re taking the train traveling from Brighton to Portsmouth harbour, your journey will be very different to a longer trip from Manchester to Brussels by rail, thanks to the extra change for the Eurostar, making your journey even longer. Understand how to reduce the risksIn cases where you’re traveling long distances, there are ways to reduce the risk of DVT. These include doing leg exercises and walking frequently, drinking lots of water and avoiding dehydration by not drinking alcohol or caffeine during the journey. Try walking along the train carriage or plane when you can. Travelling by car? Plan in some pit-stops so you can get some air and stretch out. Know what it’s safe to travelThere are also certain times during pregnancy when it’s safer to travel than others. Generally, unless you have any health issues linked to pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, it’s safe to travel up to 36 weeks. The second trimester is brilliant for many reasons (so long, morning sickness!). One of them is that this is when it’s best to make your travel plans as pregnancy-related complications tend to come at the beginning and end of the 40 weeks.Stay safe in the sunOnce you get to your destination, all the usual rules of sun safety apply. Use plenty of sun cream, drink lots of water and stay in the shade as much as possible. Add a hat and wear loose clothing, too. If you do overheat, head inside away from the sun, drink some water and get some rest. Splash your face with cool water and apply a cold wet flannel to bring your temperature down. While it seems that there’s a lot to consider when booking a getaway while pregnant, if you time it well and follow these tips, you’ll be sure to have a lovely trip away and enjoy every moment of your babymoon!
