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Everyday Tips for Summer Pregnancies
Things to Keep in Mind During Vacations
| If you are taking a summer vacation, enjoy yourself, but keep some things in mind to keep yourself comfortable and the baby safe! |
Eat and drink smart
During vacations, your eating schedule may be a bit different that your body is used to on a normal day. It may be a good idea to plan ahead and pack some snacks with you or in your carry-on bag. It may also be a good idea to bring along some bottled water to avoid any chance of dehydration. Try to keep a well-balanced, nutritious meal while you are away from home to reduce chances of heart burn while away.
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Minimize your stress
Traveling may be stressful at times, but there are a few things you can do to reduce this stress. Plan everything in advance. Sitting on an airplane near the window may cause you stress due to frequent trips to the restroom. Call for any special accommodations that you may find helpful during your travel. Also, only pack what you need. Bags on wheels or light luggage will reduce the stress of relying on other people as well as reducing your risk of injury. In your carry-on bag, make sure you have something to keep you relaxed such as a music player or a good book. Give yourself plenty of time. Being late or rushing to your next stop can only lead to stress. |
Take care of your feet and legs
If you are driving for a long distance to your vacation spot, take a few minutes every hour and a half to stretch and walk around. If you are traveling with other people, such as on a plane, train or bus, put your legs up if there is an empty seat. If flying, take off your shoes and try to rest your legs up on your carry-on luggage. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes to allow for your swollen feet and legs. The best shoes have a contoured footbed with a good, thick, skid-resistant sole for walking support. Your cutest, strappy, club-shoes may not be the ticket for this vacation.
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Will you need a vaccination?
Some vaccines are considered safe for pregnant mothers and their children. Vaccines such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and tetanus are considered safe because they are not “live vaccines”. Some live vaccines are usually avoided because they are made from live viruses and could potentially infect you and/or your baby. Therefore, if you have the option to travel to countries that the threat of disease is low, choose that vacation instead of a country that vaccines are needed to travel. These countries, in which vaccines are necessary, probably do not have great health care or healthy living conditions, such as clean water and food.
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Frequent Stops
Being pregnant has probably got you running to the restroom more often than you are used to. While traveling, if you come across a clean and comfortable restroom, use it. Sometimes airplane restrooms can be very cramped and may cause some discomfort. Using the restroom before boarding the plane may help you through the trip. Also, finding a nice and clean bathroom on the road may be difficult. Pack some antibacterial soap, an extra roll of toilet paper and sanitary wipes to make sure your frequent stops are safe and clean.
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Yeast Infections
Yeast infections may be very common during pregnancies, and travelling during hot conditions can make you even more susceptible. Wear lighter, loose-fitting clothing while you travel to discourage yeast infections. Tight pants and jeans should stay at home for this vacation. After swimming, make sure you change out of your wet suit into dry clothes to avoid staying moist. If you have had yeast infections during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about getting some antifungal cream in case a yeast infection while away.
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Enjoying your vacation
Being pregnant on vacation does not mean you have to sit around in the hotel all day while others have fun. Go out and have fun, but avoid all risky sports and activities. Bungee jumping and waterskiing may need to wait until next year’s vacations. Scuba diving should also be rescheduled until next year because it is a “pressurized” sport that may form bubbles in your bloodstream. Stick to swimming in the pool rather than hanging out in the hot tub. Increasing your temperature during pregnancy can increase your chances of birth defects. Remember that you may tire more quickly during this vacation than last year because you are pregnant. Make sure you speak up and tell your family and friends when you need to take a break or take things at a slower pace. Take some time for yourself … put your feet up, take a bath, read your favorite magazine on the beach.
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