Pregnancy can be a difficult and tiring time, but it's also a very exciting one. As your due date draws closer, the thought of travelling while pregnant – whether it's a holiday, a business trip, or a visit to family and friends – can be tempting. But is it safe to travel while pregnant? Can you travel when you're 37 weeks pregnant? Let's take a look.
What Are the Risks of Travelling When You're 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Travelling late in pregnancy has some risks. When you’re 37 weeks pregnant, the baby is nearly full-term and can arrive any day. If you travel too close to your due date, there’s the risk that you won’t be able to get back home in time for the birth. If you have a medical condition or a high-risk pregnancy, it’s important to check with your doctor about any risks associated with travelling late in pregnancy.
Travelling late in pregnancy can also cause physical discomfort. As your baby grows, it can press on your bladder, making it difficult to get comfortable, especially while sitting in a plane or car for long periods of time. In addition, the changes in air pressure can cause swelling, and your body may not be able to process fluids as quickly as it did before, making it more likely that you’ll become dehydrated.
How Can You Reduce the Risks of Travelling When You're 37 Weeks Pregnant?
If you do choose to travel while 37 weeks pregnant, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risks. First, plan your trip in advance. Make sure you have a reliable way to get to the hospital if you go into labor – either by car or by plane. Make sure you have all the necessary medical documents and records with you, in case you have to be admitted to a hospital.
It’s also important to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible while travelling. Wear comfortable clothing and take breaks often. If you’re flying, try to get an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around at least once an hour. Also, be aware of the altitude – if you’re flying, try to avoid flying above 8,000 feet.
What Should You Do if You Go Into Labor While Travelling?
If you do go into labor while travelling, the most important thing is to stay calm. Try to find a medical professional as soon as possible, either at the airport or the local hospital. Let them know that you’re in labor, and they should be able to provide you with the necessary medical attention. If you’re travelling by car, try to get to a hospital as soon as possible, and call your doctor or midwife to let them know what’s happening.
Can You Travel When You're 37 Weeks Pregnant?
In general, it’s not recommended to travel when you’re 37 weeks pregnant. However, if you’re planning a trip and you’re 37 weeks pregnant, it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife to make sure it’s safe for you to travel. It’s also important to take measures to reduce the risks associated with travelling late in pregnancy, such as staying hydrated and taking breaks often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to travel when you're 37 weeks pregnant?
A: In general, it’s not recommended to travel when you’re 37 weeks pregnant. However, if you’re planning a trip and you’re 37 weeks pregnant, it’s important to talk to your doctor or midwife to make sure it’s safe for you to travel.
Q: What should I do if I go into labor while travelling?
A: If you do go into labor while travelling, the most important thing is to stay calm. Try to find a medical professional as soon as possible, either at the airport or the local hospital. Let them know that you’re in labor, and they should be able to provide you with the necessary medical attention. If you’re travelling by car, try to get to a hospital as soon as possible, and call your doctor or midwife to let them know what’s happening.
Q: How can I reduce the risks of travelling when I'm 37 weeks pregnant?
A: If you do choose to travel while 37 weeks pregnant, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risks. First, plan your trip in advance. Make sure you have a reliable way to get to the hospital if you go into labor – either by car or by plane. Make sure you have all the necessary medical documents and records with you, in case you have to be admitted to a hospital. It’s also important to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible while travelling. Wear comfortable clothing and take breaks often. If you’re flying, try to get an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around at least once an hour. Also, be aware of the altitude – if you’re flying, try to avoid flying above 8,000 feet.
Q: Is there anything else I should consider before travelling while pregnant?
A: It’s important to consider the physical and emotional stress that travelling can cause when you’re 37 weeks pregnant. If you have any medical conditions or a high-risk pregnancy, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any travel plans. You should also make sure that you have a reliable way to get back home in case you go into labor while away from home.
Q: What kind of travel can I do when I'm 37 weeks pregnant?
A: When you’re 37 weeks pregnant, it’s generally not recommended to travel by plane or for long periods of time in a car. If you do choose to travel, it’s important to plan your trip in advance and take measures to reduce the risks associated with travelling late in pregnancy. Consider taking a short road trip or a train ride instead, and make sure you have a reliable way to get back home if you go into labor while away from home.
Q: What should I bring with me when travelling while pregnant?
A: When travelling while pregnant, it’s important to bring all the necessary medical documents and records with you, in case you have to be admitted to a hospital. It’s also important to stay hydrated and take breaks often, so make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable clothing and try to get an aisle seat if you’re flying, so you can get up and walk around at least once an hour.
Q: Is it safe to fly while pregnant?
A: Flying while pregnant can be safe if done properly. However, it’s generally not recommended to fly when you’re 37 weeks pregnant. If you do choose to fly, make sure to plan your trip in advance and talk to your doctor or midwife about any risks associated with flying late in pregnancy. When flying, try to get an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around at least once an hour, and avoid flying above 8,000 feet.