Which means of transport should be preferred for a pregnant woman?

Travel is not contraindicated, provided you choose the right mode of transport and, once there, have optimal hygienic conditions.

However, whatever the destination, and especially at the end of pregnancy, always seek the advice of your doctor.

Traveling by car while pregnant: advantages & disadvantages

The car is not the best mode of transportation if you are pregnant. However, if your pregnancy is going well, nothing prevents you from driving a few kilometers. But the closer you get to your end, the longer it will take avoid long journeys.

Namely: the major risk of a trip is fatigue. She indeed promotes contractions which are themselves likely to lead to premature labor. In general, in the car, do not forget to fasten your seat belt, avoid sudden acceleration and braking and of course don’t go off-roading 4 × 4. If you have to make a long trip, ask your doctor for advice, he can prescribe an anti-spasmodic to take in case of contractions. On the road, take a break every two hours. When you arrive at your vacation spot, plan to rest the next day.

Here are our tips for traveling in a car while pregnant, without suffering too much:

• Avoid long journeys (more than 500 km in a day) as well as tourist circuits and roads that are too steep.
• The frequent breaks are essential because prolonged sitting is likely to be painful, especially towards the end.
• Sit in the back and don’t forget your seat belt : placed under the belly, at the level of the pelvis, it will guarantee both Baby’s safety and yours.
• Finally, once you arrive at your destination, rest is compulsory!

Traveling by train during pregnancy: precautions

The train is the best solution if you have to travel more than three hours. As long as you get help with luggage and reserve a seat or a bunk if you are traveling at night. Instead, choose a seat in the middle of the wagon, as the vibrations are less important than above the wheels. Make yourself comfortable and take the opportunity to get up every hour. Take a few steps in the hallway to relax your legs and especially to stimulate your venous return. You will suffer less from the feeling of heavy legs, especially if the weather is hot.

And why not take advantage of luggage service at home from the SNCF? For a few dozen euros, an agent will come and collect your luggage from your home and drop it off directly at your vacation spot. When you are pregnant, it is not a luxury, especially if you are traveling alone.

Flying while pregnant: how to experience your flight well

Most airlines accept pregnant women up to the eighth month of pregnancy. Beyond that, you must provide a medical certificate. But the best is to find out before the flight so as not to have unpleasant surprises.

The day before your plane trip, avoid eating foods that cause bloating or carbonated drinks, as changes in atmospheric pressure inside the device can dilate the intestines and cause unpleasant pain. During the flight, make yourself comfortable, put both feet flat on the ground or on a footrest, make a few movements to relax and once an hour, walk down the aisle to activate your blood circulation. Do not forget also the bas de contention, to limit the feeling of heavy legs.

Also remember to drink plenty of water, as the surrounding air is very dry. Wear loose clothing, preferably cotton, and comfortable shoes, and on arrival, lie down for an hour or two if possible.

Our advice for traveling with peace of mind

On site, you may need to see a doctor. Contact your health insurance fund. If you are going to a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, all you need to do is ask, at least two weeks before your departure, for the European Health Insurance Card. If you are going to another country, find out before your departure whether that country has signed a social security agreement with France, and if you come within the scope of this convention. Your health insurance fund will guide you through the procedures and formalities to be carried out.

Find out about the gynecologists and maternity services on site, so you know who to contact right away if you have a problem.

Traveling pregnant: what destinations should you avoid?

The tropical countries or so called “developing” are not really recommended if you are pregnant. Hygiene conditions are often inadequate and you are likely to contract an infection such as hepatitis A (by drinking contaminated water or by eating raw, undercooked or badly washed food) or even quite simply a “tourist”(Travelers’ diarrhea). Beware also of countries where viruses transmitted by mosquitoes like dengue, chikungunya or Zika.

In the event of an illness or emergency related to your pregnancy, you are not sure whether you will find a nearby hospital capable of taking care of you. At last, certain mandatory or highly recommended treatments for traveling (vaccines, some antimalarials, etc.) are contraindicated during pregnancy. In your luggage, take with you a summary of your medical file and your treatment if you have one.