Like me, many of you must be wondering if it is allowed to travel during your pregnancy. You must be asking yourself a thousand and one questions that I will try to answer.
How to prepare for your trip?
It is important that you plan your trip in advance. Ask your doctor for advice before leaving and make an appointment at the maternity ward to have a check-up. The risk of a long trip is that caused by fatigue because it may cause you to have strong contractions or even premature delivery in the most serious cases. In case of pain, ask your doctor for a prescription for anti-spasmodics if you feel contractions. Let your loved ones take care of your luggage and take time for yourself, rest yourself and your unborn baby the day before departure. Also consider leaving early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid rush hour and high temperatures and getting stuck in traffic jams.
Until what point in my pregnancy can I take the car?
The first and last trimesters are the periods with the highest risk for a long trip. Indeed, these are the times when you can have the most obstetric complications. During the first trimester, the car and in particular too many jolts can cause a miscarriage. The last trimester can lead to strong contractions that can cause you to give birth prematurely, which is not desirable before the 37th week of pregnancy. The second trimester remains the most favorable period for traveling by car with complete peace of mind.
What to take with me?
It is important to dress very comfortably to be comfortable during the trip. I can advise you to wear an outfit in which you feel comfortable like the cocooning leggings matched with a Yogi T-shirt cotton clothes that are part of the Neuvième Ciel collection. You will feel comfortable during the trip thanks to these clothes and baby will be warm.
Also bring shoes that you feel comfortable in and support stockings. They are particularly effective in preventing disorders related to venous insufficiency but also in relieving the feeling of heavy legs.
Don't forget to take your complete medical file with your maternity booklet that is filled out by your doctor at each visit. This is important in case you have to go to the hospital or doctor during your vacation. You can also take a first aid kit with the antispasmodics mentioned above, as well as sunscreen to avoid pregnancy mask.
With the high summer temperatures, remember to drink plenty of fluids so as not to put your baby in danger. You can also take a spray bottle to cool yourself down.
Finally, remember to take a cushion to support your back and feel comfortable during the journey. For my part, I took my Hugo nursing pillow in organic spelt husk that I love! I never part with it, it's really perfect for being comfortable in the car.
How to make my trip a success?
As a general rule, it is important to limit car travel time, especially in the first and last trimesters as mentioned above.
If you plan to go far, consider doing several stages (maximum 4 hours of driving per day). This will allow you to discover new landscapes. On the road, take regular breaks. A break every hour is the ideal pace to stretch your legs a little and eat a small snack.
Remember to fasten your seat belt under your belly for your safety and that of your baby.
Finally, remember to respect the rules of hygiene which are all the more important when you are pregnant. Wash your hands very regularly and favor water in sealed bottles.
Once you arrive, and even the next day, remember to rest. This is essential to recover from the trip and limit contractions.
In conclusion, it is possible to drive while pregnant. You just have to listen to your body and your baby. If your pregnancy is going well and you have medical approval, the car will be allowed, taking, of course, all the necessary precautions.