From All of Us, we wish all of our clients and community partners a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, comfort, and time with loved ones. May you also find time for rest amidst this busy season and if you’re traveling, we wish you safe travels!
Traveling during pregnancy (by car or plane) is usually perfectly safe! Always check with your provider if you’re unsure, but unless you’re at the very end of your pregnancy or experiencing complications, you should be good to go. There are just a few considerations to make when making your travel plans to keep you safe and comfortable.
Sleep is so important during pregnancy, so try to stick to a regular sleep schedule and communicate your need for rest to those around you and delegate tasks when possible. Listen to your body’s signals and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Regular, gentle exercises like prenatal yoga can also promote better sleep and relaxation when things get hectic. Best Start is currently offering FREE yoga classes biweekly on Thursday at 11am!
Keep in mind you may feel more uncomfortable sitting for long periods while traveling and may also need more bathroom breaks due to increasing pressure on your bladder. Either way, it’s recommended that everyone (pregnant or not!) stretch their legs at least every two hours to keep blood flowing and avoid blood clots. If you’re driving, get out to stretch and walk around for a few minutes when you make stops. If you’re flying, you can walk in the aisles and do leg stretches in your seat. In either case, compression socks may help you feel more comfortable and limit swelling.
It’s also important to stay hydrated. During pregnancy, in general, it’s recommended to drink 64-96 ounces of water per day. Travel can tend to make you feel more dehydrated, so be sure to remember to drink your water. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle along and refilling it in the airport or on your road trip stops. Along with that, don’t forget energy rich snacks to keep you fueled. You need roughly 300-400 extra calories a day while pregnant. Fuel your body to help it feel its best!
Any time you’re traveling, it’s good to make sure you have a plan to contact your provider or nearest healthcare facility if needed. Always remember to stay up to date on your prenatal visits, too. Schedule your visits around any travel so you don’t miss important check-ins with your provider.
We hope everyone has a happy, healthy end to 2023! We look forward to 2024 and another year of serving our amazing community. Happy holidays!
