Traveling while pregnant can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you have a long-haul flight ahead. In my case, I had to travel from the U.S. to South Africa while 23 weeks pregnant, as part of my wedding preparations. Here’s what I learned from the journey and the strategies that made my experience easier and safer.
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Consult with Your Doctor Early
Before you even think about booking your flight, make sure you talk to your doctor. This was a crucial step for me. I began discussing my travel plans with my doctor when I was only two months pregnant. He advised me that he would not allow any of his patients to travel after 28 weeks due to the potential risks involved. So, I planned my trip while I was still 23 weeks pregnant, ensuring I was within the safe window to fly.
Tip: Make sure your doctor gives you a green light for travel and provides advice on how to manage long flights. Some doctors might recommend avoiding air travel after a certain point in pregnancy.
Plan for Rest Stops
Traveling from Houston to Cape Town meant a journey of about two days. That’s a long time to be on the move, especially while pregnant. To reduce the stress on both myself and the baby, I broke the trip into manageable segments. I first flew to Maryland, where I stayed for a few days to rest and recover from the first leg of the journey. After that, I continued my trip to Cape Town.
Tip: If you have a long-haul trip, consider stopping over for a few days at an intermediate location. This allows you to rest and prevent the physical strain of continuous travel.
Travel with a Companion
I knew traveling alone would be overwhelming, both mentally and physically. That’s why I asked someone to come along with me. Having a companion helped ease the pressure, allowing me to focus on taking care of myself and the baby.
Tip: If possible, travel with someone who can help with luggage, and ensure that you have support during the trip. This will make a world of difference.
Dress Comfortably
Comfort was a priority for me. I packed a lot of loose-fitting clothes, mainly skirts and dresses, which were perfect for the warm weather in Cape Town. I also made sure to pack flat shoes and a comfortable pair of maternity bras and underwear.
Tip: Avoid tight-fitting clothes, and choose outfits that provide ease and comfort. Maternity leggings, dresses, and flat shoes are must-haves for long trips. Also, pack a light jacket or blazer for cooler moments during travel.
Use Compression Socks
One essential item that I couldn’t do without was compression socks. They helped with circulation and reduced swelling in my feet during the flight. I also carried a foot spray to keep my legs and feet refreshed.
Tip: Wear compression socks on the plane to help prevent swelling and blood clots. Bring a leg spray or cooling mist to relieve discomfort during the flight.
Pack Pregnancy Travel Essentials
I prepped for every possible scenario by purchasing pregnancy travel essentials from Amazon. I had a belly band to support my growing belly (though I ended up not using it much), anti-nausea spray for the flight, and hydration packs to combat dehydration.
Tip: Consider packing
- Compression socks
- A belly band (if comfortable)
- Anti-nausea sprays or snacks
- Travel-size skincare products like face mist and lotion (planes can be very dehydrating)
- Hydration packets for water
Stay Hydrated and Move Often
During the flight, my doctor emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and walking around frequently. The long 11-hour flight from D.C. to Ethiopia was challenging, but I followed my doctor’s advice. I made sure to drink plenty of water and got up to stretch and walk every few hours.
Tip: Drink water regularly throughout your flight, and get up to walk at least every hour to keep your circulation flowing and reduce swelling.
Know Your Limits
I learned quickly that pregnancy comes with its own set of physical limitations. While I had originally planned to wear a belly band for extra support, it ended up being uncomfortable for me during the trip, so I removed it. Sometimes, things just don’t go as planned.
Tip: Be flexible and listen to your body. If something isn’t working for you, don’t hesitate to adjust your plan. Comfort is key when traveling pregnant.
Final Thoughts
Traveling while pregnant is completely doable with the right preparation. Consult with your doctor, break your journey into manageable segments, and pack thoughtfully to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. With the right mindset and a bit of planning, you can travel safely and enjoyably during your pregnancy.
Safe travels, mamas! Stay tuned for the next post in my Motherhood Series, where I’ll continue to share the highs and lows of this incredible journey. Together, we can embrace the beauty of motherhood, one step at a time.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it for you, till next time
