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Traveling by car
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.
To know : the major risk of a trip is fatigue. It 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 do not go off-road 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.
To travel by train
Le 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, because 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 38 euros for the first suitcase and 20 euros for each of the following ones, an agent will come and collect your luggage from your home and drop it off directly at your vacation spot.
Travel by plane
Most airlines accept pregnant women until the eighth month of pregnancy. Beyond that, you must provide a medical certificate. The day before your plane ride, avoid eating foods that cause bloating or carbonated drinks, as changes in air pressure inside the device can dilate the intestines and cause unpleasant pain. During the flight, make yourself comfortable, take off your shoes, put both feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, do a few movements to relax and once an hour, walk down the aisle to activate your blood circulation.
Also remember to drink plenty of waterbecause the ambient air is very dry. Wear loose clothing, preferably cotton, and when you arrive, lie down for an hour or two if possible. And don’t forget the compression stockings!
Traveling pregnant: plan ahead
On site, you may need to consult 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 this country has signed a social security agreement with France, and whether you come within the scope of this agreement. Your health insurance fund will guide you through the procedures and formalities to be carried out.
Pregnant, destinations to avoid
The tropical countries or in development are definitely not 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 eating raw or undercooked food) or even quite simply turista (travelers’ diarrhea).
In case of illness or emergency related to your pregnancy, you are not sure whether you will find a nearby hospital capable of taking care of you. Finally, certain treatments (vaccine, certain 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.