If you find yourself expecting a child then any vacation you may have planned may need to re-booked or changed if air travel is involved. First off, a trip to the doctor will be necessary to make sure there aren’t any reasons why you can’t travel on a plane. Some women experience abnormal bleeding and an increase in their blood pressure, in which case the doctor would normally suggest that flying should be avoided and in particular if any swelling has been experienced.
Almost all airlines are happy to let pregnant women travel up to 36 weeks into the pregnancy but it is best to check this as airline companies will differ in their safety rules. For women over 24 weeks pregnant a medical certificate is often required prior to travel as well.
It is also worthwhile checking in as early as possible as there is a greater chance of being issued a bulkhead seat for additional room or aisle seat where it will be easier for access. If the destination is in Africa or Asia then a vaccination against hepatitis A and B would normally be recommended but pregnant women are warned against typhoid inoculations even though there isn’t any medical evidence that it can harm the unborn child so the best advice is for the woman to speak with the doctor first.
Malaria is another problem and expectant mothers are advised not to travel to countries where contracting it is a possibility. In Australia, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations aren’t advised for children under six but it is recommended that children are up-to-date with their other immunizations.
Not only is the destination important but personal circumstances so pregnant women should check with their doctor as to what vaccinations they will require. To avoid hepatitis A and typhoid, brush your teeth with, and drink, only bottled water ensuring that ice for your drinks is made from distilled water or just refuse ice if you do not know.
Avoid eating raw vegetables, salad and fruit although thick-skinned fruits such as mandarins, which you peel yourself, or bananas are fine but always wash your hands with soap or antibacterial hand wash before eating. A good accessory to take on a vacation is the new type of fast drying antibacterial hand gels which come in travel pack size and can be slipped into a purse.
Air travel also increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis which is statistically more likely in pregnant women so to guard against this it is recommended that expectant women wear the special flight socks or tight that are now available. To keep maintain a good circulation, it is advisable that walking about or other exercises be carried out whilst in flight whenever possible.
Travel insurance policies will cover costs relating t the pregnancy up to twenty six weeks but even policies that cover travel related claims after that period will not include those for the pregnancy itself.
If you enjoy reading this article and you would like to learn more about baby and how to take care of yourself while pregnant, visit pregnancy101.org and check out symptons of pregnancy.