Not so cute picture of 8 months pregnant traveling to San Antonio on a hot and humid August day. Still fun though!
In case you may have missed it, I am about five months pregnant with our fourth child. I love to travel and for the exception of the first trimester, pregnancy does not slow me down. While I have been pregnant in the past I have taken cruises through Europe, train rides in Alaska, and avoided raw fish in Japan. There are many things that make being pregnant wonderful but there are a few things that make life harder in general and that is usually escalated while traveling. Here are my five biggest tips to make traveling more comfortable and enjoyable while pregnant:
Avoid traveling during the first trimester. Unless you know that you are one of those rare and lucky people with absolutely no morning sickness whatsoever, than I advise to just plan ahead if possible and avoid it. You will be miserable. Those you are with will be miserable. Save your money for the honeymoon phase of the pregnancy called the second trimester. This is when you want to plan that amazing babymoon with your spouse, which is a MUST by the way. However, if it is unavoidable and sometimes it is, try to get zofran from your doctor, or use ginger, sea-bands, or pregnancy pops to help with nausea.
If you are flying, take time to familiarize yourself with airline policies and keep in contact with doctors to make sure you will be safe. I like to bring a copy with my chart with me just in case something were to happen while traveling. It will be easier for you to check your luggage if you are flying solo then for you to drag your luggage through the airport but if checking is not an option make sure to get help putting it in the overhead bin. Also buy or fill a bottle of water after security to make sure you keep well hydrated and try to get an aisle seat so you can stretch your legs and use the restroom as often as needed.
Circulation is a very important to ensure proper blood flow, especially while pregnant. While sitting in one position with your legs pointed down at a high altitude is a recipe for poor circulation. So make sure to stretch your legs every hour if possible and wear compression socks. I know you are probably picturing a Granny wearing awful looking grey socks up to her knees and wincing. I know, I have been there and worn those. But recently I was contacted by a company VIM&VIGR who sell women’s compression socks but here’s the kicker- they are actually cute! Like wear with a skirt and boots no shame cute! Gone are the days of your Granny’s compression socks my friends! You can be cute and stylish AND have good circulation! They also rock for road trips too!
Whether you are taking a road trip, a boat trip, or an airplane make sure to pack lots of healthy snacks and drinks. Keep yourself hydrated and eat regularly and keep your blood sugar at a safe and happy level! Plus traveling is stressful so making it a little easier on yourself will only cause the trip to be more successful and fun.
If you are taking a road trip make sure to plot out your trip for frequent restroom breaks and to get out and stretch. If you have small children, you will be doing this anyways but Moms need to take care of themselves too!
I have loved, loved all my memories traveling while pregnant, especially our babymoon husband and me trips as well as family trips. They are special memories and moments in our hearts that we will remember forever. Can’t wait for our last ever babymoon next month to Turks and Caicos!
