What precautions should pregnant women take on holiday?

By: Delphine DERNE-BUHART and Irène GABRIELLI, midwives at Princess Grace Hospital

It is possible to travel while pregnant, but there are a few precautions you should take.
 
Can pregnant women travel?

Of course, but only if it is not a high-risk pregnancy (no danger of premature labour, uncontrolled high blood pressure, etc.). Before choosing your destination, it’s important to think about how you’ll get there and make sure that it will be a comfortable trip for the expectant mother. In other words: avoid long journeys by car or plane!
 
Why should you avoid the car while you’re pregnant?

Travelling by car can cause or intensify contractions due to the bumps encountered. Make frequent stops – at least every two hours. This is necessary to maintain healthy circulation, since inactivity can cause phlebitis.

Here are a few tips to ensure a safe, comfortable journey:

• Make sure that the seatbelt goes underneath your stomach and across your rib cage. There are approved devices available that can help to ensure that the seatbelt is in the right place).
• If you’re going on a long journey, use compression stockings to promote healthy circulation (available on prescription).
 
Can I fly while pregnant?

Yes. However, first check the rules imposed by your airline. Each has its own specific regulations surrounding travel procedures for pregnant women. In all cases, it is vital that you have with you a medical certificate confirming the stage of the pregnancy, to prove that you will still be under 36 weeks on your return flight. Some airlines do not allow women to board at all from the seventh month of pregnancy onwards.

Here are some precautions you can take to ensure a safe, pleasant flight:

• Stand up and take a walk regularly;
• Choose an aisle seat so that you can move around easily;
• Wear compression stockings to improve venous circulation and avoid oedema and thrombosis;
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration;
• Don’t carry heavy baggage.
 
Can I travel by train while pregnant?

For trips of 3 to 4 hours, train is the best option for travelling to your holiday destination. There are less bumps than you would encounter in a car, and you can walk around more easily and more regularly than you can in a car or a plane. In addition, there is no need to show a medical certificate in order to board the train.

Here are some precautions you can take to ensure a pleasant journey by train:

• Get up and take a walk every hour;
• Ask for help carrying your luggage.
 
Plan ahead!

Whatever mode of transport you choose, we recommend that you consult your gynaecologist, midwife or doctor before heading off on holiday. They will ensure that you are fit to travel, and that your intended destination does not require any specific prophylactic treatment or vaccination.

Check with your insurer (mutuelle health insurance policy, travel agent insurance, credit card insurance, etc.) about the procedures that apply in the event that you are hospitalised abroad or have to be repatriated for medical reasons – the costs involved can be significant!

Before you leave, make sure you pack all the essential information about your pregnancy: ultrasounds, laboratory blood test results, blood group card, etc.

Check out where you can access emergency obstetric care closest to your holiday location: in the event of any problems, you’ll be treated quicker and will have all your medical records with you.
 
Happy holidays!