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| |    Tips for Travel in Pregnancy by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. Whether for work, to see family, or to visit someplace new on vacation, travel has become a major part of modern life. If you are one of the many women who want or need to travel during your pregnancy, here are some basic principles to keep in mind. Mode of travel The mode of travel is not important--buses, trains, planes, and cars can all be safe--so the choice depends on your own personal preference and your circumstances. The most important guiding principle for all modes of travel is to make sure that you move around. Do not sit for long periods of time in one position, as sitting still or crossing your legs can cause stiffness and discomfort, not to mention the fact that it slightly adds to your already increased risk of blood clots in your legs. To prevent this from happening, get up and walk every two to three hours, sit with your legs uncrossed, and try to vary your position as much as possible when seated. Destinations near and far Traveling to another city in your state has different implications than does international travel. Short-distance travel is generally fine unless you are close to your due date and have reason to expect a short labor. In general, a one- to two-hour trip poses no specific concerns. The implication for traveling further distances, but still within your own country, is that it takes you further away from your own healthcare professional and your chosen hospital or birth setting. Generally, this is fine in low-risk pregnancies where childbirth is not imminent. Just be sure to discuss your individual plans with your practitioner. Second trimester is best While the first trimester can be a fine time to travel for those who are not limited by nausea and fatigue, miscarriages do occur, and the distress of that event can be increased if you have to deal with an unfamiliar medical system and practitioners. Your practitioner can help you estimate your individual chances of needing medical care in the interval that you will be traveling. As for the nausea and fatigue that often accompanies the early weeks of pregnancy, some women reason that if they have to feel crummy, why not feel crummy on a beautiful beach instead of at home? That said, the most stable time for travel during pregnancy is the second trimester, when most mothers-to-be feel best and when pregnancy complications are least likely. Travel typically isn't recommended late in the third trimester for several reasons: The incidence of complications is again increased, many women feel more tired and sore, and medical care may be needed if for no other reason than the fact that your due date is approaching. If you're considering a third-trimester trip, it is particularly important that you discuss your plans with your practitioner. What to bring Before traveling, make sure that you're familiar with the results of any tests or ultrasounds you may have had done. In many instances, it is sufficient to know that your blood pressure, urine tests, and ultrasound(s) were normal. It is best, however, to actually bring a copy of your medical records with you when you travel, particularly in the third trimester, so that information can be retrieved easily in the event that you require medical care.
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