When you're pregnant what can you do to keep yourself comfortable when travelling? Before you plan a long trip, talk to your LMC. Whether travelling long journeys by car, boat, train or plane often the ideal time is in your second trimester. Any form of motion can aggravate morning sickness and as this can be particularly bad during the first trimester waiting until the second trimester may be recommended. It may be unadvisable to undertake extended travel in the third trimester when you’re at your biggest and there is a possibility of early labour.

Snacks
We all get the munchies so preparing some snacks before you leave can be a good idea. Quick and easy pregnant-friendly snacks include dried fruit (apricots, apples, peaches, figs, raisins, cranberries or sultanas etc), nuts¹, and muesli bars. 

Crackers and cheese are a great but choose hard cheeses like colby, tasty, edam or cheddar. Plus you could get prepared and make up some sandwiches before heading off – easy ones which travel well like marmite or cheese! You can vary things and choose fruit bread or some of the amazing variety of grain breads now available. 

Remember to drink plenty of water. If you get bored with water try other drinks like fruit juice or a smoothie, but steer clear of energy drinks.

Car Travel

• As with air travel wear your seat belt low. Buckle it around your hips so it rests on your abdomen under your bump - check out this link.
• Stop regularly to stretch your legs and have something to eat or drink.
• If traveling long distances consider wearing compression/support socks.

Air Travel

All airlines should have a travel policy for pregnant women outlining flying restrictions and recommendations while in-flight. Both Air New Zealand andJetstar recommend you discuss your travel plans with a doctor or LMC prior to traveling. Medical clearance is required if you have a complicated pregnancy, are expecting multiple births, have gestational diabetes or if you are traveling beyond the start of the 36^th week of pregnancy on a flight longer than 5 hours² (with the exception of flying Jetstar to Singapore when entry is not permitted if you are 6 months pregnant or more³).

 When you pass through security bear in mind it’s a metal detector you pass through not an x-ray machine. Only your luggage and personal belongings are x-rayed. Consider the following to make your flight as comfortable as possible:

• Request an aisle seat. This will allow you to stretch your feet more and not disrupt your fellow passengers if you frequently require the toilet.
• Although emergency exit row seating is appealing because of the increased legroom, pregnant women are unable to travel in these seats so don’t pre-book these seats.   
• Look at breaking up a long haul flight with a stopover.
• Alleviate swelling in your legs and feet by regularly walking around the cabin and doing simple stretches.
• If you legs and feet are prone to swelling wear compression/support socks for the duration of your flight and consider taking your shoes off.
• Drink plenty of water. This should be available onboard but take some on with you to be safe (you can purchase it once passing through security as you are no longer able to take fluids past security).
• It may be an old wives tale but ginger is believed to assist airsickness. Take some ginger teabags, gingernut biscuits or ginger sweets in your carry on luggage.
• Be sure to read the fine print of your travel insurance policy as some companies don’t cover pregnancy.
• Immunisation vaccinations are often required for entry to developing countries. However it’s strongly recommended these, alongside anti-malarial tablets, are avoided during pregnancy so you may need to re–think your travel plans or discuss with your doctor.

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