Although pregnancy is a joyful time in our lives, it comes with some challenges. One of them is a feeling of restlessness. You may feel like you are ballooning in size, but there is always an urge to do something.
Lying down doesn’t help to get over any discomfort associated with carrying a child. And although some people may feel driving is not good for you, getting away from the house and going outdoors helps.
If you are at home, on your maternity leave, a road trip is a great way to overcome the stresses of pregnancy and uplift your mood. It may also be a great time to get away one last time before the baby comes and your hands get full.
You can do it with your partner (if they can get away) or your kids if they have some free time from school. You may also go on a solo road trip if you need some time alone.
But is it safe for expectant women to drive during pregnancy? Here is some information concerning this issue.
1. It’s safe to travel during pregnancy with your doctor’s permission
One thing you have to get used to during pregnancy is doctor’s visits. These are essential for the monitoring of your baby’s development.
Prenatal doctor visits are also the best time to discuss any unusual occurrences. Some examples are cramps, leg swelling, vaginal bleeding, unexplained contractions, and severe headaches.
Discuss with your doctor about any planned road trips. Your doctor will then examine you and advise accordingly.
The doctor will advise you on how to stay healthy, the recommended length of time you can safely be away or any medication or supplements you should take during the journey.
2. The second trimester is the best time to go on a road trip
The first trimester brings morning sickness, constant nausea, and fatigue for many women. This can make a road trip or and any other travel very challenging.
However, this eases as most women progress into the second trimester.
However, if you have some specific health problems, such as clotting disorders, this may prevent you from all travel during your pregnancy.
As morning sickness and nausea dissipate, you can easily get back to a healthy eating routine. It’s also easier to move around and do things for yourself without feeling overwhelmed. This makes the second trimester the ideal time for a road trip.
Second trimesters are also less associated with preterm labor, where a child is delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is also harder to suffer a miscarriage, which is the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy.
3. Prepare for your road trip adequately
A road trip during pregnancy differs a little bit from your usual road trips and requires a little extra preparation.
When you are pregnant, there are two people to think of. Therefore, you must be more cautious with your traveling plans. Here are some helpful tips on preparing for your road trip during pregnancy.
⦁ Update your health insurance. You must ensure that your medical insurance covers any emergency medical care you may need while on your trip.
⦁ Get adequate travel insurance to add to your health insurance. A personal injury law firm may help get you compensation if someone crashes into you, but you need a service that will get you from the site of the accident to a hospital fast. Therefore, make sure your travel insurance package includes a reliable road assistance service for any road emergencies.
⦁ Essential documents. Pack all your essential documents, such as your driver’s ID, passport, medical records, and contact details of your loved ones. They will come in handy if you fall sick during your trip and someone else has to take care of you.
⦁ Medications. Remember to pack any prenatal vitamins and medicines for pre-existing conditions you may be suffering from. These will keep you and your baby healthy throughout the trip.
4. Find ways to make your trip easier
Traveling when pregnant is more complicated than going on a trip on other occasions. Apart from adhering to your doctor’s instructions, you can also do the following.
⦁ Regular breaks. Plan your road trips into 2-hour sections with breaks in between to stretch and have bathroom breaks. That will keep you from suffering fatigue while driving and allow you to have a pleasant trip.
⦁ Map your route. Ensure you pick roads with hospitals, hotels, convenience stores, and any other places you may need to visit on the way.
⦁ Space. Choose a comfortable vehicle with enough leg room and a comfortable driving seat. It should also be possible for you to tilt your seat away from the dashboard for more comfort.
⦁ Seat belts. Remember to fasten your seatbelt throughout the trip to cushion your belly and yourself while driving.
⦁ Manage your nausea. Take medicine to reduce any nausea you may experience during your road trip.
⦁ Eat well. A protein-rich breakfast before you start your road trip ensures you stay alert and energized while driving. Avoid any foods that may give you gas or acidity during your trip, and pack healthy snacks and beverages to munch along the way, such as fruit and protein bars. Also, carry enough water to keep you hydrated.
5. Stick to the road rules to avoid accidents
Take your car for a check-up and routine maintenance before you head on your trip to prevent any car breakdowns.
Accidents can happen unexpectedly however, sticking to the road rules and staying alert significantly lowers your chances of getting into one.
Do not talk on the phone, eat, check for routes on maps, over speed, or ignore road signs while driving.
Additionally, stay away from aggressive and overspeeding drivers.
How safe is your unborn child during a road trip?
You may think going on a road trip is a good idea during your pregnancy but worry about its effect on your unborn baby. Don’t be.
Your child is properly cushioned by your uterine muscles and amniotic fluid. But here are things you can do to enhance your baby’s safety.
⦁ Always sit on the car seat first and then lift your legs in when entering your vehicle. Then, make sure you place one leg out of the car and follow it with the other while alighting. You may also hold on to your car door or seat for support to avoid tipping over.
⦁ Place a pillow or cushion behind your lower back for extra support. Remember to find a comfortable position that will not exert pressure on your bladder or belly while driving.
⦁ Avoid car fresheners. It’s enough to roll the car window down whenever you feel it’s too stuffy. The toxins in your car freshener are harmful to your unborn child. They may also give you feelings of nausea.
⦁ Take short walks and stretch every time you take a break. This encourages proper circulation and reduces your chance of suffering edema and blood clots.
Final thoughts on taking road trips while pregnant
If you make an effort to organize your trip with the above suggestions, there will be very little to worry about during your trip.
So if you’ve been thinking of getting away and your doctor feels you are healthy enough for a road trip, take it. You deserve it!