Is It Safe To Travel By Car During Pregnancy?

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While that’s not really an issue under normal circumstances, you may feel pressurized and stressed when it comes to travelling during pregnancy– and why not, you will want the best for your baby!

Well, relax! Travelling isn’t always harmful for your baby, and following a few simple steps, you can actually make it a hassle-free experience for yourself. If you have come up with a situation where you may need to travel in a car, don’t worry! We have got it all sorted here.

Read on to know more about the basics of travelling via car, and how you can make it a safe experience for yourself and your baby.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car During Pregnancy?

It is always a good idea to avoid travelling during pregnancy, especially during the first and last few weeks. If your doctor has advised you to take bed rest; situations may occur where you are forced to travel. What to do in such case? When it comes to travelling, car trips are probably the safest. Why? Well, because you’re more in control of the situation and have the freedom to stop or start whenever you want.

Ideally, it is a good idea to let someone else drive (like your husband or a friend), especially when you have a prominent baby bump.

How Can I Feel Comfortable?

Sitting in a particular position for longer periods of time can cause your feet and ankles to swell and cramp, so make sure you take a break every few hours, especially if it is a long journey. During pregnancy, your urine output tends to increase, so you may need to stop frequently to visit the bathroom too.

To make sure you’re comfortable while car driving during pregnancy, do some simple stretches every few hours and get out of the car. Also have a good supply of healthy snacks packed along with you to keep yourself nourished.

It is also a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothes and slippers or shoes- avoid wearing tight clothes that keep digging in while travelling.

Should I Wear A Seat Belt?

It is always advisable to wear a seat belt while travelling- irrespective of whether you are pregnant or not. Make sure that your seat belt doesn’t feel tight on the bump and is loose, yet firm and comfortable. Wearing a seat belt throughout the journey ensures that you and your baby will be protected from any harm in case you meet with an accident.

Other Tips To Stay Safe

It is always a good idea to stay on the safer side and adopt these simple tips to tackle any concerns during travelling during pregnancy.

• Drink plenty of fluids and have a constant supply of food in hand- you don’t want to mess up with your diet just because you are travelling.
• Try to get another person to drive, especially if it is a long journey.
• Make yourself as comfortable as possible- use cushions for support.
• Keep a list of emergency contact numbers and a fully charged cell phone handy- for the emergencies.
• Carry your first aid kit and all pregnancy medications that you may need. It is also a good idea to carry along some anti-motion sickness pills.
• Talk to your doctor before you leave for the trip- make sure he’s okay with your travel ideas. Take suggestions if any.
• Drive slow- after all, it’s good to stay safe, especially now that your baby’s health is at risk.

Always remember that you have to stay alert while travelling during pregnancy by car. Keep important things handy and make sure that you focus on your well-being in the chaos of commuting. Get rest where required and be stress free.

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