Is it possible for pregnant women to drive for a long time. Travel and pregnancy. Medical warnings

Many of us have to travel long distances for a variety of reasons. Whether it is a planned vacation, visiting relatives, business trips or studies - any such voyage is important for us. We can move relatively freely, choosing the mode of transport depending on one reason or another. But with the onset of pregnancy, in any case, this circumstance will certainly have to be taken into account in the first place.

Rail transport today is perhaps the most common type when it comes to long-distance travel. Passengers prefer trains for a variety of reasons, finding many advantages and conveniences in this type of travel. But for a pregnant woman, there may be more disadvantages. Moreover, train travel during pregnancy can be unsafe. And you should be aware of this.

Can pregnant women travel by train

Let's say right away that it is generally possible to travel by train during pregnancy, but not always, that is, not in all cases. In some situations (when a trip by rail may threaten to terminate pregnancy), the doctor will categorically prohibit travel by rail and, most likely, by any other means of transport, even over short distances!

In particular, there may be such contraindications to travel by train:

• increased uterine tone;
• severe anemia;
• isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
• diabetes;
• heart failure;
• poor health, regularly occurring ailments;
• severe toxicosis or gestosis (preeclampsia);
• cases of miscarriage of previous pregnancies;
• lack of water or polyhydramnios;
• sometimes multiple pregnancies.

In addition, after 36 weeks, it is not recommended to travel anywhere at all, and it is categorically impossible for long distances. Air travel during this period is completely prohibited: a woman will simply not be given permission to use air services. A baby at this time is already considered completely full-term, and in reality childbirth can begin at any moment, even if you still do not notice any precursors.

If there are no strict contraindications for long trips, then you can travel, but before that, you should definitely consult with your doctor and make sure that nothing threatens pregnancy and the fetus. Also, the doctor will give the woman a medical statement or an exchange card (depending on the term), which you must definitely take with you on the road.

In order not to take unnecessary risks, it is better to give up the trip (if possible) when you are not feeling well. In addition, doctors strongly advise against traveling by train in the early stages of pregnancy: it is during this period that most of all miscarriages occur, and the "shaking" on the train and other adverse factors accompanying a pregnant traveler on the road increase the risk of miscarriage.

Traveling by train during pregnancy: pros and cons

Going on a train trip, the expectant mother should be ready to endure some difficulties and discomfort on the road. After all, movement by this type of transport has many disadvantages, the most obvious of which women consider the following:

1. Shaking. Many people love the railway precisely for this: the "wagging" of the car in all directions lulls, thanks to which the body relaxes - and the person quickly falls asleep. But for pregnant women, such an effect is very undesirable, and at the slightest uterine tone it is completely contraindicated.
2. Lack of fresh air. Even in a compartment carriage, if it is completely filled with passengers, there may be a shortage of fresh air, and it is not always possible and not always safe to open a window. The smells of food and other aromas quickly spreading through the carriage, the rising dust coming from the “amber” bathrooms - all this can become a real problem for a traveling pregnant woman, even if she does not suffer from toxicosis.
3. Bad service. The bed is not always fresh and clean, the narrow hard (and sometimes also the upper) shelf, constant drafts, dusty curtains falling on the head and a huge variety of other nuances darken the trip for any passenger. In a state of pregnancy, such troubles are felt even more acutely and can significantly spoil not only the mood, but also the well-being of the expectant mother. On top of that, sometimes rude guides do not show sympathy and understanding towards a woman in position and do not want to go to a meeting when the need arises.
4. Difficulty going to the toilet. There are many nuances here. Firstly, the same comfort: most pregnant women cannot normally go to the toilet in another place other than their own home, on the train it is almost impossible to do this, and stool delays not only cause discomfort, but also have a negative effect on the pregnancy itself ... Secondly, going to the restroom makes it difficult to wobble the carriage in different directions. Thirdly, access to the toilet room is not always free: either the queue is large, or the door is locked (at stations and in sanitary areas). And given the fact that urination during pregnancy is very frequent, this inconvenience can be very significant.
5. Great contact. Train passengers have to breathe the same air for several hours, and sometimes even days, and exchange bacteria with each other. In such conditions, the risk of contracting respiratory infections and viral diseases increases many times. Given the reduced immune defenses during pregnancy, a woman carrying a fetus is at a really high risk.
6. Long trip duration. As a rule, when choosing a train to travel, we are on the road for many hours in a row, and in some cases, even for several days. This is extremely tiring for any person. To endure such a long and not entirely comfortable voyage is not within the power of every woman in a position.

All in all, a train ride during pregnancy can definitely be a big challenge for the expectant mother. But if you need to travel far, then do not rush to refuse railway services. Indeed, in comparison with other possible modes of movement, this one has, in addition to disadvantages, undeniable advantages:

1. The ability to lie down and even sleep. Even if it is not at home, even if such lying and sleeping is fraught with many inconveniences, it is more comfortable to rest, stretch and raise your legs, relieve tension from the back and shoulders, even just relax and lie down - such comfort remains inaccessible when moving by any other means of transport, if it's just not a motor home or an expensive business class on an airplane. And it is thanks to this opportunity that both pregnant women and all passengers, in principle, choose to travel by train, especially if it also covers the night time.
2. The ability to move freely during the trip. You can walk, sit, lie down and even go outside for a few minutes while parking.
3. Minimal stress on the veins. Due to the increased risk of developing varicose veins and thrombophlebitis during the period of bearing a child, this factor is very important.
4. The ability to more or less comfortably eat whatever you prefer. In a car and bus, this is often inconvenient or inappropriate. On the train, you can safely eat a specially prepared snack for yourself at home and drink at any time you want, knowing that there is a toilet in the carriage.
5. Restroom. It is also a disadvantage, it is also an advantage, because compared to a car trip in this case, the presence of such a trip greatly facilitates the path of the expectant mother.
6. Convenient location of the train station. This is in comparison with airports, which are usually located far from the city and require an advance, with a temporary margin of departure from home and a long journey before the flight.
7. Minimal travel delays. Usually, the train moves on a very clear schedule. Delays are extremely rare and minor. In contrast, flights can be delayed as long as necessary, and buses can even get stuck on the way or (this also happens) return to the previous point of departure (for example, pick up documents forgotten at the depot).

It is these advantages that force pregnant women to opt for the railroad when they have a long trip.

But many women cannot decide what is better to choose for travel during pregnancy: plane or train? Let's compare.

Pregnancy: train or plane

This choice is really tough. Even more: in each case, different decisions about the method of transportation will be correct. After all, we all have different preferences and travel experiences, we all carry a pregnancy and feel differently at this time.

Perhaps his doctor will tell someone that a flight will be a better solution than a train ride - after all, in the latter case, it shakes a lot, really contributing to an increase in uterine tone. Another doctor will recommend that his ward ride the railroad, because when you rise to a great height due to a sharp change in atmospheric pressure, the risk of exacerbation of varicose veins, the development of preeclampsia, placental exfoliation and other complications increases. It is likely that the first doctor hates bad-smelling trains, and the second one is terrified of flying or simply did not have such experience. It is entirely possible that in both cases the recommendations are not based on personal medical preferences, but on the condition of a particular woman who is about to travel.

That is, as you understand, it is difficult to choose the clearly better and more advantageous travel option for everyone. But personally for myself it is possible to do this.

First, a lot depends on where and how long you have to travel. Sometimes it is not so fast to fly by plane as it seems. Some flights last a very long time, and taking into account the arrival to the airport and then back again, baggage registration, customs control, waiting for flight delays and other nuances, sometimes it takes even longer than the same trip by another mode of transport.

Secondly, analyze well all the advantages and disadvantages of both modes of transportation. For example, air stewards are usually more attentive and helpful than train conductors; there is practically no queue for the toilet in air transport. But in the event of an unexpected sudden sharp deterioration in health, the pregnant woman is deprived of the opportunity to get off at the nearest station and go to the hospital (this is especially important when making very long flights). An important nuance: sometimes for a flight during pregnancy, additional documents must be drawn up, which is not required when traveling by train.

Third, of course, be guided by personal preference. While some women are fearful of flying, others enjoy it as opposed to the tedious train journeys.

Fourth, and this is very important: always coordinate your choice with your doctor. If he thinks that the chosen way of travel may be unsafe for you, then this opinion must be heeded.

In general, you cannot, of course, exaggerate the potential dangers that may await you on the road. Pregnant women all over the world travel freely and do not attach much importance to this. The reviews of many women indicate that they move around the world both in the earliest and later stages of pregnancy without tragic consequences and obvious inconveniences. But it is also an irrefutable fact that it is after the trips that many pregnant women get worse and sometimes even have to go to the hospital for “preservation”.

Therefore, you should always try to assess the situation objectively and versatile. But in general, it is believed that the train during pregnancy is the best transport for traveling.

In general, we can conclude that there is nothing super-terrible and super-dangerous in traveling by trains. However, sometimes it is better to choose a different method of transportation or even refuse to travel.

If you decide to go on the road by train, then the following recommendations may be useful for you:

1. It is best to plan your trip during the second trimester of pregnancy when all risks are minimized.
2. Buy a ticket for the lower shelf. If only the upper ones are available, then either transfer the trip or ask the passengers in the compartment to swap places - do not hesitate.
3. It is advisable to travel with an accompanying person.
4. If you are traveling alone, take a minimum of things with you, a light bag on wheels is always better. And ask passers-by to pick it up when necessary.
5. Prepare a lightweight, convenient carry-on bag to store your essentials.
6. Take your medical statement or exchange card with you on the road.
7. Have dry and wet wipes, a fan, anti-nausea and motion sickness remedies (for example, candy or nuts - whoever helps), water and a light snack on hand.
8. Dress so as to feel comfortable in a variety of conditions: both stuffy and cold. For example, wear a light cotton T-shirt and a warm, button-down top to make it easy to get dressed or undressed when needed.
9. Drink activated charcoal before your trip - this will help protect you from intestinal disorders that often occur on the road.
10. Take a hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly.
11. Talk to your doctor about what antiviral drug you can take if a fellow traveler suddenly has a cold, and prepare the medicine in advance.
12. Try to spend more time in a lying position, while raising your legs to a hill so that blood does not stagnate in them and swelling does not occur. Walk from time to time, stretch your feet and lower legs.

We wish you a comfortable and happy trip!

Especially for - Elena Semenova

The already catching phrase "pregnancy is not a disease" is the motto of many pot-bellies and those whose new life has just begun inside. An "interesting position" forces many women to radically revise their lifestyle, rebuild their plans, and the unborn baby is already beginning to contribute to the life of the parents. Some pay less attention to circumstances and skillfully adapt to any force majeure, despite a bulging tummy.

So some ladies, frankly, are very worried about this tummy, it is like a golden egg that they do not want to break and disturb, for example, by a long trip or flight. It is correct, to worry about the safety of the child is natural, but is it worth it to lock yourself in four walls and be afraid of everything and everyone? Let's talk about whether it is possible for pregnant women to drive long distances.

Why are there concerns?

Anything can happen in the life of each of us, we pursue different goals, set priorities, and sometimes circumstances arise that force us to adapt to them, regardless of our desire. When we talk about traveling by car during pregnancy, we usually mean a long-awaited vacation, for example, on the seashore, which we have been planning and have been looking forward to for the last six months, or we mean a forced trip to visit relatives in another area. And everything would be fine if it were not for the news of an interesting situation or an already existing tummy, for which we are very worried. In any other case, we, full of the spirit of adventurism and anticipation of the trip, would not hesitate to jump into the car and drive across the whole country, but such things are happening here ... So what's the matter?

Indeed, women are not in vain worried about this, and these experiences differ depending on the duration of pregnancy.

Everyone knows that our vast road is not so hot: potholes, bumps and other irregularities make a car pretty shake even with the softest suspension. Shaking for pregnant women is extremely undesirable, while the longer the period, the more undesirable such a trip. The fact is that amniotic fluid in such conditions mechanically stimulates the opening of the cervix, provokes uterine bleeding and other terrible things. If you are already "on demolition", then carefully weigh all the pros and cons.

Driving a car involves a long sitting position. Even the most comfortable chair will not provide you with the necessary comfort if the journey is more than 2-3 hours. A woman in a position to sit for a long time is not only uncomfortable, but not at all: the uterus is clamped by the pelvic bones, blood circulation is disturbed, including in the legs, the likelihood of edema increases, etc. However, the good thing about a trip by car is that you can stop at any time and exercise a little.

An inconvenient belt, which ensures the safety of passengers and the driver, can tighten the bulging belly. There is a solution in this case: a special pad for pregnant women or just lie down on the back sofa if it is not busy there.

The increased sensitivity to external factors, especially in the first trimester, exacerbates the experience of the trip. Nausea, dizziness, susceptibility to temperature changes (it becomes especially bad in the summer heat), smells often accompany travelers in position, especially in the early stages.

And, finally, any trip is an excitement that doesn’t fit into the regime of a future mother, because a pregnant life should be calm, quiet and without extreme. However, if for you traveling by car is only a joy, and you do not doubt the professionalism of the driver, then, as they say, go ahead and with a song.

Perfect timing

And yet, long trips by car during pregnancy are practiced all over the world, many women comfortably move from point A to point B at different times, and some manage to drive a car, and not just stay as a passenger. Be that as it may, plan a trip (if possible) during the safest period of gestation, namely the second trimester. Why at this particular time? It's simple:

✓ you have already been let go of all the wisdom of the first weeks in the form of nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and general malaise. In general, in the second trimester, women feel great;

✓ the tummy is not too big yet to turn you from a graceful doe into a clumsy duck, does not restrict movement, and it is not yet so hard to wear it;

✓ From 13 to 27 weeks, the chance of an involuntary miscarriage or early birth is minimal.

If you are an autoland and cannot imagine a day without an "iron horse", then you will probably notice, and then compare, that it is the middle of pregnancy that is most "convenient" in terms of movement and travel. Some even wonder if it is okay to travel while pregnant or just drive when needed. Nobody will give you a definite answer, so you have to proceed from your own feelings. If your driving experience is long enough, you feel confident behind the wheel and are accustomed to moving in this way, then you probably shouldn't master the delights of public transport or spend money on a taxi. Otherwise, it is better to refuse this idea.

Separately, I would like to emphasize the role of a pregnant woman precisely as a driver during long journeys. Nevertheless, one should not go on a long journey alone, and if such a need arises, then notify your relatives about the route and plan it through large settlements where they can provide emergency assistance (all scenarios must be taken into account). If you are traveling with your spouse, then you can easily share the driving of the car, if you really want to, but not equally! No more than 2-3 hours behind the wheel for you, and entrust the rest to a non-pregnant driver.

After 34 weeks of gestation, it is advisable to completely abandon travel, no matter how desirable they are. Otherwise, be prepared to give birth in a back seat or in a rural hospital.

If the adventure with a trip of several hundred (or maybe thousands) kilometers does not scare you, then make it as comfortable and safe as possible for yourself. A couple of tips will definitely not hurt you:

✓ The first thing that you should take with you on the road is all the necessary documents, and after 30 weeks also the "duty suitcase". However, the documents must be with you always and everywhere, and the second is already when traveling (long-distance or not);

✓ Try to travel as a couple or family, without unnecessary passengers, relatives and random travel companions. The fewer people in the car, the better for you: lie down, sit, throw your legs up - whatever;

✓ 10 minute stops every 2 hours - an immutable rule. Warm up, stretch, go to the toilet, have a snack;

✓ Do not take dry water and save yourself from quick snacks - your stomach will definitely not like it. A thermos with hot soup, fruits, vegetables, fruit drinks, still water is a good option. You can stop at a cafe if you know the cuisine and have dined there before;

✓ If there is a long way ahead - think over places to sleep, preferably comfortable ones. Although the adventurer did not fall asleep in you, it is better to refuse campsites and dubious shelters, especially from non-stop arrival;

✓ Plan a route in advance through major settlements, especially if the timeframe is long enough. Nobody knows what can happen on the road, so plan your trip so that you can get to a normal hospital on any part of the journey;

✓ Wear comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothing made from natural and stretch fabrics;

✓ And avoid drafts and overheating;

✓ And use special seat belt pads if necessary;

Before any long distance travel, a pregnant woman should see a doctor. The second trimester of pregnancy is considered the best period for travel - from the fifteenth week to the twenty-fourth. This period is stable, the risk of miscarriage is minimal, the woman feels great at this time. She is not tormented by fatigue and nausea, as in the first trimester, and such troubles as back pain, heartburn, begin only after the sixth month of pregnancy.

A change of scenery, new impressions, pleasant emotions from the trip will only benefit pregnant women. But so that nothing would overshadow the journey, it is necessary to take the right approach to the choice of the method of travel. Most pregnant women are inclined to choose travel for - it seems to them the most convenient and safe, in comparison with other modes of transport. Be sure to check with your doctor before traveling.

Why can a gynecologist discourage travel

Check with your gynecologist if you have any problems that might interfere with your train ride. If you have a history of premature birth, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, isthmic-cervical insufficiency, you should hardly embark on a long journey at all.

Many consider the train the most attractive transport for a pregnant woman. Gynecologists usually have a positive attitude towards this method of movement if a woman does not have pathologies or complications. On the train, you do not have to greatly limit physical activity, as when moving by car, and you do not need to endure until the next stop if you have a desire to visit the toilet, as you have to while traveling by bus.

How to make your trip more comfortable

Traveling in a carriage for a pregnant woman is generally quite comfortable. When buying a ticket, try to take a place where there are no wheels under the carriage. Swaying of the carriage can, of course, bother you a little, the seat sometimes seems uncomfortable, the space for movement is limited, but all this is easy to overcome. Ask for an extra blanket to help you get more comfortable. To warm up a little, you can take a leisurely stroll around the carriage.

It is not recommended to travel by train for women who have severe anemia, diabetes or heart failure. Those who nevertheless decide on this method of movement are advised to stock up on a certificate from a gynecologist, which indicates what the gestational age is, and the approximate date of birth is written.

The best time to travel during pregnancy is from about 14 to 26 weeks. During this period, all organs and systems of the baby are formed, the placenta is formed and is working optimally, the tummy is not too big, most often toxicosis of the first half of pregnancy with nausea and vomiting is behind, and the upcoming birth is not yet close, which is important for a comfortable rest. However, if the pregnancy is proceeding normally, then you can travel during pregnancy, in principle, at any time (of course, except for the last weeks of pregnancy). Before an upcoming trip during pregnancy, be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure that you have no contraindications for travel, as well as get a medical opinion, which may be required in a number of shipping companies.

Rule number 2. When traveling during pregnancy, avoid abrupt changes in climatic conditions

At present, flights to warm regions, to the sea, palm trees, exotic, unusual routes, etc. are becoming very popular.As a rule, these are very remote territories from Russia, so you will have to get there by plane and the flight there takes from 4 to 11 hours ... This is a serious test for a perfectly healthy person. And what about the body of the expectant mother? The negative aspects of long-distance trips include a sharp change in climate (when the temperature difference can reach 40 ° C and more), the difficulty of adapting both to new climatic conditions, and to food, time zone, which can cause a decrease in the body's defenses and subsequently lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases or an increased risk of respiratory infections in the expectant mother (this can happen both during rest and after returning home against the background of a natural decrease in the activity of the immune system during pregnancy), the risk of catching some exotic infection, including and helminthiasis, taking into account the fact that vaccination against many diseases is contraindicated for the expectant mother before the upcoming trip.

It is safer and safer to go to countries with similar climatic conditions, for example, to Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Spain, the Baltic countries, or to visit beautiful places on our territory - Crimea, Valdai, Seliger.

When choosing a vacation spot, find out in advance about the peculiarities of the weather in the area so that the season of rains, intense heat, seasonal winds or other similar natural phenomena does not become an unpleasant surprise when traveling during pregnancy.

Rule # 3. Eliminate Dangerous Vacation Options During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, scuba diving is contraindicated, long excursions on foot or by bicycle, windsurfing, hiking are not recommended. In addition, you should not book excursions that involve hours of sitting on the bus, which can also adversely affect the well-being of the expectant mother and the course of pregnancy. If there is still a great desire to visit the sights, then choose short sightseeing trips and make sure that the days are not too busy. Take some time for yourself just to rest and do nothing, especially in the first days after arriving at the place of rest.

Rule number 4. Assess the pros and cons of traveling during pregnancy by different types of transport

When choosing how to get to your holiday destination, you need to remember about the peculiarities of travel by different types of transport, which can affect the health of the mother and baby.

It happens that you can only get to your destination by plane - then there is no other choice. Traveling by plane during pregnancy, of course, significantly reduces the travel time, but it can become a serious test for the body of a future mother and baby. Therefore, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons when choosing a vacation spot. It should be remembered that during a flight during pregnancy, quite sharp changes in atmospheric pressure occur (this occurs during takeoff and landing), which can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus and blood vessels and lead to a violation of placental blood flow, premature placental abruption, especially if there are prerequisites for this ( for example, low attachment of the placenta) or rupture of the fetal bladder with the development of preterm labor. In addition, sitting for a long time in one position can adversely affect blood circulation in the pelvic organs and legs. If the blood supply to the uterus deteriorates, it means that fetal hypoxia (oxygen starvation) may develop, which may affect the formation and maturation of a growing organism. Evidence of hypoxia can be both increased fetal movement and a decrease in its activity. Also, when sitting for a long time, the pregnant uterus presses the rectum to the pelvic floor, which is why the vessels are compressed, blood flow is disturbed and there is a high risk of developing or exacerbating hemorrhoids, varicose veins of the legs, and thrombophlebitis.

During pregnancy, the spine also experiences a great load, this is further aggravated by the shift in the center of gravity in expectant mothers.

Traveling by train during pregnancy is the safest form of transport, but it is still advisable for the expectant mother to choose the most comfortable travel conditions (compartment or SV carriage). On the train, you can lie down and relax comfortably, unloading the spine, as well as the vessels of the legs and small pelvis (for the prevention of varicose veins and hemorrhoids).

It is advisable to travel by bus or car during pregnancy over short distances so that the travel time does not exceed three hours. What are the reasons for such restrictions? Firstly, a long sitting position creates a great load on the spine, vessels of the legs and small pelvis. Secondly, traveling by road is often accompanied by shaking, even with the ideal road condition (especially since the roads are far from being in good condition everywhere), which can negatively affect the course of pregnancy and the general well-being of a pregnant woman. Thirdly, during such a trip, the expectant mother may be seasick, which of course will worsen the general well-being and darken the pleasant impressions of the trip.

River and sea cruises can be quite comfortable for the expectant mother. However, they can be fraught with several surprises, especially for those who have never traveled this way. Most often it is motion sickness with nausea and vomiting, as well as fear of water. If, before pregnancy, the expectant mother tolerated this method of movement well, then, most likely, (with a normal pregnancy) there will be no surprises, but it is possible that the state of health changes not for the better. Therefore, being in an interesting position, it is better to refuse such travel.

Rule number 5. Observe hygiene on vacation during pregnancy

An expectant mother on vacation and during travel needs to take care of hygiene. You should not drink raw water, it is better if it is bottled, it is necessary to wash vegetables or fruits, do not try food on the street, especially in Asian countries, where raw meat, fish and other seafood are often used in dishes, generously seasoned with various spices (this can still provoke an exacerbation, the development of a disease of the digestive system or food poisoning).

Do not forget to wash your hands with soap or use damp cleansing wipes, preferably with an antibacterial effect or special antiseptic gels. Do not dry your hands with shared towels, but use sanitary paper.

It is advisable to walk on the beach in shoes, since in many exotic countries (Africa, India, South America, Vietnam), helminthiases are common, infection with which occurs through the skin of the legs or other parts of the body in contact with the ground. For the same reasons, you should not swim in unknown bodies of water - choose specially designed and equipped places (for example, a hotel beach).

Rule number 6. Take care of your insurance and documents

Before traveling, a pregnant woman must take with her an exchange card, a conclusion from a doctor, which is desirable to translate into English or another language used in the country of rest.

Before traveling, a pregnant woman should definitely take care of insurance, carefully study which cases it covers, whether it includes complications during pregnancy. According to international rules, health insurance usually does not include cases related to pregnancy and childbirth (although in some countries it is valid for up to 12 weeks). This should be borne in mind and an additional amount should be provided for unforeseen medical expenses.

You should definitely discuss your future trip with your gynecologist. Contraindications for long-distance travel include exacerbation of any chronic diseases, including allergic ones, problems with the formation or work of the placenta, for example, its low location, fetoplacental insufficiency, the risk of uterine bleeding, the threat of termination of pregnancy, gestosis, multiple pregnancies, miscarriages or premature birth in past.

Rule # 7: Avoid Overstrain

Being in an interesting position, expectant mothers are prone to emotional changes and fatigue, and rest should be enjoyable. So you should not go forcibly, for example, on an excursion or shopping, if you have no desire and strength, you should listen to your feelings and emotions. It is also not recommended to plan days that are too busy: of course, new impressions are necessary for a good rest, but you should not get carried away, because you can quickly get tired from an overly active pastime, and changing pictures will cease to bring joy.

Rule # 8: Don't Lift Weights During Pregnancy

While waiting for the baby, pregnant women are not recommended to lift weights, so it is better not to take bulky and heavy luggage with you. If there is no way to avoid this or the expectant mother goes on a trip without a man's shoulder, then bags and suitcases should be on wheels, with long handles, and even in this case they should not be heavy. At the train station and at the airport, you can use the services of a porter, and at the hotel do not refuse the help of a porter.

How to avoid motion sickness?

While traveling by any type of transport, the expectant mother is not immune from motion sickness, even if the woman has not previously suffered from this ailment. Motion sickness is a vestibular disorder that occurs when a person moves on any type of transport and is perceived as a feeling of faintness, impending loss of consciousness, dizziness, instability, with possible nausea and vomiting, sometimes bringing only temporary relief. This condition most often develops due to increased sensitivity of the vestibular apparatus and in violation of the assessment of information received from it and the eyes to the brain. Such changes occur quite often during pregnancy. Other manifestations of motion sickness can be a change in taste, increased salivation with frequent swallowing movements, palpitations, increased pressure, sweating, blanching, less often skin reddening, rapid breathing, headache, tinnitus, lethargy, drowsiness. Medicines for motion sickness are contraindicated during pregnancy, so you will have to use non-medication:

• when planning a trip during pregnancy, you should choose the places where you least get seasick. For water transport, book a stateroom in the forward or middle of the ship or on the upper deck. On an airplane - seats at the leading edge of the wing, and during flight, the air stream from the ventilation system should be directed to your face. On the train, choose a window seat in front of the carriage and sit facing in the direction of travel. In the car - the front passenger seat, and on the bus, the seats are closer to the driver in the direction of travel;
• while moving, you should try to concentrate your gaze on the horizon line or on a distant stationary object, also look forward, and not into the side windows;
• do not read while driving or use a mobile phone to play or read. During movement, the text is at a different angle of view than in the usual state, and reading can cause deterioration;
• it is better to keep your head still, leaning back on the seat back;
• during a boat trip, you should try not to look at moving objects;
• before and during the trip, you should avoid fatty, spicy, smoked, salty or other "heavy" food, milk, sugary carbonated drinks, as well as overeating, so as not to excessively stimulate gastric motility and the production of digestive enzymes, which can subsequently lead to nausea and vomit. Before traveling on any type of transport, you should definitely have a little snack, since with an empty stomach there is more likelihood of nausea;
• during the trip, it is also recommended to moisten the palms, neck, temples and forehead with water;
• regular hard candies, especially those with lemon or mint flavor, can help prevent motion sickness. You can also use lemon by adding its juice to your drinking water or by keeping a small slice in your mouth from time to time. You can take with you aromatic oils of ginger, pine needles or orange. They have antiemetic and tonic properties, so by dropping the oil, for example, on a handkerchief, you can inhale it periodically to prevent motion sickness.

• you can purchase special pads for the neck and lower back in advance, so that you can get comfortable;
• during a flight or moving by other means of transport, you can take off your shoes, periodically rotate your feet, wiggle your toes to restore blood flow in the vessels and improve blood outflow, preventing the development of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, as well as impaired blood flow in the placenta;
• if the trip is long, then it is advisable to get up more often and walk around the cabin of the plane or train; when traveling by car, you must periodically stop, get out and do a light warm-up;
• if you are prone to varicose veins, you can wear anti-varicose knitwear (tights, stockings or knee-highs).

During pregnancy, it is recommended to spend as much time as possible in a calm state. Especially, this applies to those ladies who have a threat of miscarriage. In the later stages, you need to monitor your health, at the first manifestation of fatigue, rest.

Traveling during pregnancy

Many are worried about whether it is possible for pregnant women to travel by train. If a pregnant woman has a threat of premature birth, then it is better to refuse the trip. In this case, the pregnant woman can delight herself with a trip to the country. If her pregnancy is proceeding normally, then she can ride a pregnant train.

Expectant mothers are recommended to rest in those countries where the climate is similar to ours. You can ask your doctor what medications you need to take with you, and if you can combine pregnancy and train travel. The expectant mother should always have the following documents with her: a health insurance policy, a passport, if the pregnant woman is up to 28 weeks, she should have an extract from her outpatient card, and if after 28 - an exchange card.

The train during pregnancy is the most ideal transport. The plane is not suitable for all pregnant women due to the acute pressure transformation during landing and takeoff. If a woman is afraid to fly, then this can cause premature birth. After 30 weeks, try to avoid long trips. All airlines prohibit women from flying after 36 weeks.

The car is also suitable for a pregnant woman, only you have to stop often to walk around and warm up. You can stay on the beach until 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. when the heat subsides. Use sunscreen and a hat to avoid overheating. You can swim in the sea indefinitely, while swimming, the respiratory and muscular systems are exercised. Do not swim in muddy waters. Swimsuit and underwear should be made from natural fabrics.

Can you travel by train?

Many women are interested in the question of whether it is possible to travel by train during pregnancy. This type of transport has its advantages and disadvantages.

So, the pluses: The smooth movement of the train and beautiful pictures outside the window are certainly nice. The train during pregnancy is considered the best transport for getting around, as it has the most space when compared to a car, bus and plane. Some care should be taken when traveling on a train while pregnant, as the train can quickly jerk or wobble. When traveling by train, a pregnant woman can relax, read the newspaper, listen to music, or just chat with a neighbor. The main plus is that you can lie down and even fall asleep.

As you know, pregnant women go to the toilet very often, and there will be no problems with this on the train. But if you go by bus, you will have to constantly wait for a stop. In addition, the train has a dining car where you can have something to eat. Of course, the prices for such pleasure are significantly overpriced. Sleeping bunks on a train are not very comfortable for women in late pregnancy, but they are still better than a seat in a car, bus, or even an airplane.

Pregnancy and the train are easy to combine, especially if the pregnant woman has no pathologies and complications. Another plus is that train tickets are much cheaper than plane tickets. In addition, it is much easier to get to train stations than to airports.

Pregnancy and train travel. Minuses

It takes much longer to travel by train than by plane. And the service on the trains is very low. In seated cars, the chairs are not very comfortable, which can lead to back pain. In addition, such cars lack safety, which significantly increases the risk of injury. It is very hot and stuffy in almost all carriages in the summer, the windows do not open completely. If a pregnant woman travels by herself, then she will have to carry her own luggage. What is better to choose, a train or a plane during pregnancy, is up to the pregnant woman to decide, but it is worth weighing all the pros and cons and starting from her personal feelings.

Make your train journey more comfortable

If a pregnant woman chooses a train during pregnancy, then you can make the trip more comfortable. You need to ask the conductor for another pillow. When buying a ticket, the pregnant woman must check that she has got the bottom shelf. You need to buy a train ticket during pregnancy in a place under which there are no wheels. Every hour, the expectant mother will have to get up and walk around the carriage - this will improve blood circulation. During sleep, you need to put your legs slightly. Pregnant women should take food and water with them, as only sandwiches and beer snacks can be sold in the dining car. Things should be taken with you to a minimum so that it is not difficult to carry luggage.

Doctors advise against taking long train journeys during pregnancy. This is especially true for those women who have experienced abortion and premature birth before. It is also not recommended to travel on long train journeys during pregnancy for women who suffer from diabetes, severe anemia and heart failure. Resting in the mountains at an altitude of more than 4500 m and in places where various infectious diseases are common is very dangerous, since vaccination during pregnancy cannot be carried out.

You can get diarrhea while traveling by train or plane during pregnancy, so you need to monitor the food and water that the pregnant woman consumes. You need to eat well-cooked meat, drink clean water - this will save not only from diarrhea, but also from many infections.

You need to take a certificate from the doctor, which will indicate the gestational age and the approximate date of delivery. Before deciding on a trip, it is advisable to weigh the pros and cons of traveling by train or plane during pregnancy.