Many pregnant women are constantly on the go. And while they might not be able to do all of the things they did before, there are ways to make life easier. This article provides a list of 10 travel essentials for pregnant women. Continue reading to learn more!
Travel Essentials For a Smoother Trip
Anyone who says it’s all about the journey rather than the destination that matters clearly has never traveled in economy class while pregnant. Even the most common agonies feel ten times worse when you’re pregnant — crowded seats feel even more cramped, and the dry, recycled air irritates your already super-sensitive skin.
Then there’s also the increased risk of clotting and dehydration, a few impediments that could come between you and a much-needed vacation or whatever you’re traveling for! While we can’t take the pain away, here are a few recommendations to help make your flight a little more comfortable.
Pregnant travelers should always have a carry-on bag that contains their essential items. These items include:
1. Wheeled Suitcase
No one likes lugging around heavy luggage in general, but it’s even more important that your suitcase and hand luggage are easy to carry when you’re pregnant. With a bag on wheels, you can easily drag your belongings from one terminal to the next!
That way, you won’t put any additional strain on your otherwise fatigued pregnant body. Drop the designer messenger-type bags and instead get one with wheels that’s easy to handle.
2. Comfy Pillow
Regardless of the trimester you’re in, having a traveling pillow is necessary. Get a comfy pillow that can double as a neck pillow and support your side while on your flight.
With the growth in every trimester, pregnant women experience a lot of body and muscle aches. Pillows help ease these pains by propping you up and relieving some of the tension in your muscles.
3. Remedies to Help With Nausea
According to experts, pregnant women are more prone to experiencing motion sickness. And there’s a higher likelihood that they’ll get severe morning sickness too.
For the unfortunate folk who are susceptible and get the bitter end of this stick, make sure to carry with you:
- Soothing ginger tea
- A few pieces of candy
- Prescription medication to calm the nausea
- Motion-sickness remedies or bands
4. Something To Snack On
Cravings and hunger pangs can hit you at any time, so make sure to carry something to keep you going. If the trip is long, motion sickness and cravings can worsen, so have something to keep your sensitive tummy at bay.
Opt for something plain like crackers or bland pastries instead of anything oily, or have something more filling like high-protein bars to curb your cravings. Make sure it’s something not too strong-smelling, so you don’t set off your nausea.
5. Maternity Swimwear
Going on vacation or lounging by the pool? If you’re expecting a baby, you’ll need some comfortable and attractive maternity swimwear.
6. Comfortable Compression Socks
It’s crucial to promote blood flow when traveling, especially over long distances. This need becomes even more important in pregnant women who easily get swollen feet. Flying disrupts your normal blood circulation, so a comfy pair of compression socks will go long.
The circulation is even poorer when you’re pregnant, often leading to swelling. Compression socks help promote healthy circulation by pressing on your feet. That’ll also help with repressing varicose veins or clots from forming. Opt for a comfortable pair that isn’t confining, and make sure to still walk around every so often to keep the circulation flowing.
7. Belt for Pregnancy Tummies
For bigger bellies or mommies in their second trimester or further, getting a belly support belt will give your tummy a little extra snug support. So in the rush of going to gates and terminals, your tummy will be supported. You can also invest in pregnancy pants with a support belt to keep you comfortable.
8. A Change of Comfortable Clothes
You don’t want to be in something uncomfortably tight or restricting while on the plane. Also, planes often get uncomfortably cold, so ensure that you are snug and warm when you’re traveling.
Another key clothing item to get is comfortable shoes you can easily slide on and off. A pair of cute flats will work for moving from one terminal to the next and getting on the plane, plus they’re easy to put on and off.
Also, include a pair of slides to accommodate your swollen feet (because they will swell). That way, you won’t be crammed in tight shoes, but you can also change to move around in flats easily.
9. Scarf Blanket
A travel blanket scarf can be useful even if you don’t regularly wear one because it takes up little space and can double as a blanket if you feel cold.
10. Medical Information
Make sure to bring your insurance card with you and your birth plan, and other relevant documentation and notes from your doctor. You’ll need that information on hand in case of an emergency, and you have to go to the hospital or go into labor.
If there’s an emergency, you won’t have time to contact your doctor to send your documents over. So it’s always best to have your papers on hand. Before you travel, the first thing you should do is check whether your destination has any specific health requirements for pregnant women.
It is better to be safe than sorry, so always check whether there are any vaccinations or medications you need.
Conclusion
Pregnant women need to take extra care of themselves. They must be aware of the potential risks they can face and ensure that they are not putting themselves or the unborn baby in danger. This is why it is important to have some essentials with you at all times.
Hopefully, this article helped you identify some of the essential items you’ll need to get when traveling, which will help you and your baby stay safe and healthy.
References:
https://www.thebump.com/a/traveling-while-pregnant-checklist
https://www.brit.co/pregnancy-essentials-holiday-travel/
https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/pregnancy-travel-essentials/
https://lilacandrose.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-travel-essentials-list/