Pregnancy is a time filled with mixed emotions. You’ll probably be excited and nervous at the same time. If you have been saving up your vacation days, it can be the perfect time to spend them traveling alone during pregnancy so you can have some quality time with yourself. However, since this is also the most sensitive period in your life, you will need to plan everything beforehand. You see, traveling alone during pregnancy isn’t as straightforward as it might seem on the surface. There are things you should know before setting off on that trip of yours. For example,
- Where will you stay?
- How will you get around?
- What about places to avoid?
These and other questions need answers before leaving home.
Where to Stay?
Finding the right place to stay is the first step to traveling alone during pregnancy. All hotels don’t offer the same level of services and amenities. Some will be better geared toward pregnant women than others. Hotels that are specially designed for pregnant women are becoming increasingly popular. These hotels also provide a place for you to store your excess luggage during your trip, as well as a pregnancy pillow. Another option would be to find a place to stay via Airbnb. There you can choose from many private rooms and smaller guesthouses that are often cheaper than hotels. Plus, if you are traveling during peak season, you may find that hotels are completely booked out. You’ll also want to consider proximity to the location where you will be spending most of your day. Staying near your main destination will make it easy to get back to your room in the evening. But you also don’t want to stay so close that you have to walk through crowds of people and heavy traffic.
What to Pack?
One of the most important things to remember while packing for your trip is that you are now a “high-risk” patient. This means that you might have complications during your pregnancy that can put both you and the baby at risk. So try to pack items that will make your trip easier and more comfortable. If you are traveling during your second or third trimester, you will likely want to bring a wheelchair or a scooter to ease the pressure on your legs and feet. If you are going to a place where you will be doing a lot of walking, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Bring a pillow with you so you can rest your legs while sitting on the plane or in the car. It will also make sleeping while on the road much easier. If you plan on swimming while on your trip, make sure to bring along a swimsuit. You’ll also want to bring sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin and increase the melanin in your skin.
- comfortable clothes that can be easily layered
- a supportive maternity bra
- a belly band or belly support
- leggings or pants with a comfortable waistband
- a light jacket or cardigan
- a scarf or shawl
- comfortable shoes
- snacks and water
- any necessary medications
Traveling Alone During Pregnancy: Things to be Aware of
As mentioned above, you are now a “high-risk” patient. This means that you need to be aware of certain factors that may affect you and the baby. During your trip, make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet that includes proteins, fruits, and vegetables. If you are traveling to a place with unfamiliar food, try to avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables. During your trip, try to avoid getting overheated. It is important that you stay hydrated and rest as much as possible. Avoid strenuous activity both during the day and at night. Keep your appointments with your doctor and obstetrician. Communicate with your doctor to let them know that you are traveling. This will allow them to monitor you more closely in case they should notice anything out of the ordinary.
- Check with your healthcare provider before you travel, especially if you have any medical conditions.
- Different circumstances may arise. It’s to your best benefit to do all you can to learn the language of the country you’re traveling to, some may not speak your language. Get a translator or a dictionary for the particular language.
- Most likely you won’t need it but in the event that you do, be sure to find the diseases associated with the area you’re going to in a foreign country. See if you can find out how well medical assistance can be found as well.
- Make sure you have a reliable form of transportation and health insurance that will cover you while you’re away from home.
- Pack a travel health kit that includes items like bandages, pain relievers, and nausea medication.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid strenuous activity and take breaks often.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid potential hazards.
Dining and Food Tips
Due to changes in your metabolism, you will likely be eating more during pregnancy. However, you need to make sure that you are eating healthy foods, especially during your trip. Vegans and vegetarians should be careful while dining out, as many foods contain ingredients that could be harmful to you and your baby.
- Try to avoid uncooked fruits, unpasteurized dairy, and sushi. Always drink water when eating, and be mindful of what you are putting into your body.
- If possible, try to stick to eating at restaurants that have high health standards. Avoid places that serve undercooked or raw food.
- Eat light meals and snacks throughout the day, instead of large meals.
- Drink plenty of fluids, like water, juice, and milk.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid food that is high in fat, salt, or spice.
- Avoid foods that are high in mercury, such as swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel
- Ask your doctor about food safety when traveling.
How to Stay Comfortable While Traveling Alone During Pregnancy?
Staying comfortable while traveling is crucial during pregnancy. You will likely experience some discomfort due to the changes your body is going through. There are a few things you can do to make your trip easier.
First, before you leave, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothes. Avoid wearing pants with elastic waists, as they could cause pressure on your stomach. If you are going on a long trip, it is a good idea to bring a pillow with you. You can also buy a pregnancy pillow that can be used both at home and while traveling.
Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. This will also help you flush out any toxins and impurities in your body.
Places to Avoid
Since you are a “high-risk” patient, you will want to avoid places and activities that may put you in harm’s way. Avoid going to places where there is a lot of noise, such as concerts and clubs, where loud music can irritate your hearing.
Avoid traveling to places where there are lots of people. You may want to avoid traveling to cities where there is a lot of tourist traffic, as well as places where there are large crowds.
Avoid going to places where there is a high chance of contracting infectious diseases. You will also want to avoid public transport.
- Places with high altitudes: Pregnant women should avoid traveling to places with high altitudes, such as the mountains, as the air is thinner at these altitudes and can cause problems with breathing.
- Hot places: Pregnant women should also avoid traveling to hot places, as the heat can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
- Places with poor medical facilities: Pregnant women should avoid traveling to places with poor medical facilities, as they may not be able to get the care they need if something goes wrong.
Final Words
There is no doubt that planning a trip can be a daunting task. So if you are pregnant and looking forward to traveling, it may seem impossible. However, it is important to know that you can still travel while pregnant. Just make sure to plan everything beforehand and you will be set. Traveling is a great way to escape life’s daily stresses and strains, and it is even more enjoyable when you are traveling while pregnant. By following these tips, you can ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that you have an enjoyable experience while on the road.
