Air Travel During Pregnancy.

I've got to make a business trip soon, and I'm pregnant. Can I go for air travel during pregnancy ?
Air travel during pregnancy can be fatiguing and frustrating, but if your pregnancy is normal, you should be able to travel during the 1st and 2nd trimesters without too much trouble. Talk with your doctor if you're considering traveling during your 3rd trimester. Always discuss travel with your doctor before you make any reservations.

What should I keep in mind about traveling while I'm pregnant?
Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs during trips. Don't overdo it rest when possible. You might want to avoid places where good medical care is not available or where changes in climate, food or altitude could cause you problems.

I'm just finishing my 1st trimester, and we are planning a trip. Is that OK?
Ask your doctor. Most will tell you it's OK to travel during pregnancy, but each situation is different. Some general considerations about traveling during pregnancy include the following.

Don't plan a trip during your last month of pregnancy.
If you're having any problems, such as bleeding or cramping, don't travel.
If you are uncomfortable or have problems with swelling, then traveling, sitting in a car or doing a lot of walking may make things worse (and it probably won't be much fun either).
If your pregnancy is considered high risk, a trip during pregnancy is not a good idea.
Avoid long flights, especially nonstop overseas or
Cross country flights. It's difficult to make long journeys without being able to move around much.
When flying, preorder special meals, such as low-sodium or vegetarian, if you want to avoid foods that might cause you problems.
If you experience nausea when traveling, carry crackers or another bland snack food to nibble on. Prop up your feet when you sit for any length of time.
Get up and keep moving when you can during a flight. Try to walk at least 10 minutes every hour. Sometimes just standing up helps your circulation. Try to get an aisle seat, close to the bathroom.
Wear medical support knee-high hose to help prevent swelling. They are not tight at the knee and will improve circulation to your feet.
Observe seat-belt signs, and stay seated during turbulence. Your balance may not be as good while you're pregnant.
Be careful of X-ray devices in the airport.
If you're 36 weeks' pregnant (or more), bring a letter from your doctor saying it is OK for you to fly. Be advised: Even with a letter, a captain has the authority to keep you off the plane, but it doesn't happen very often.
Remember you are pregnant when you plan a trip. Be sensible in your planning, and take it easy.

What are the greatest risks for me if I decide to travel during my pregnancy?
The biggest risk of traveling during pregnancy is the development of a complication while you are away from home and away from those who have been involved in your pregnancy and know your history. Other concerns include your discomfort or trouble sleeping, especially if you are cooped up in a car for hours or are trying to sleep in a strange bed. Consider these things, and discuss them with your doctor before making plans, making reservations or buying tickets.

I've heard I shouldn't air travel during the last month of my pregnancy. Why?
At this point, labor could begin at any time, your water could break or other problems could occur. Your doctor knows what has happened during your pregnancy and has a record of tests done these things are important. If you check into a hospital in a strange place, they don't know you and you don't know them. Some doctors won't accept you as a patient in this situation, and it can be awkward. It doesn't make sense to take this kind of a chance.

Can't my doctor check me and tell if I will be in labor soon so I'll know if I can go on a trip?
First of all, no one can predict when your labor will begin. No one can guarantee you can go on a trip and not go into labor or have other problems. You can't guarantee it even if you're at home! Plan ahead, and discuss it with your doctor before you make plans or buy airplane tickets.

My husband has to go out of town for a business trip, and I'm due in 3 weeks. Can't my doctor check me and tell if I will go into labor while he's gone?
Your doctor can check you, but this really only tells you where you are at that point in time. Nothing will guarantee your husband won't miss the delivery. The last month of pregnancy isn't a good time for either one of you to be traveling.

Is it safe for me to drive during pregnancy?
Yes. It may become uncomfortable for you to get in and out of the car as pregnancy progresses, but being pregnant should not interfere with your ability to drive.

I always wear a seat belt in the car, but I'm wondering if a seat belt could cause me problems now that I'm pregnant. Should I wear one?
Yes! Many women are confused about wearing seat belts and shoulder harnesses during pregnancy, but don't be misled. These safety restraints are necessary during pregnancy, just as they are necessary when you're not pregnant. Seat-belt use is so important that the National Highway Safety Administration uses a pregnant dummy in simulated accidents to record how an accident could affect a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

Will wearing a safety belt hurt my baby?
There is no evidence that the use of safety restraints increases the chance of fetal or uterine injury. You have a better chance of survival in an accident wearing a seat belt than not wearing one.

Is there a proper way for me to wear a seat belt while I'm pregnant?
Yes. Place the lap-belt part of the restraint under your abdomen and across your upper thighs so it's snug and comfortable. Adjust your sitting position so the shoulder harness crosses your shoulder without cutting into your neck. Position the shoulder harness between your breasts; don't slip this belt off your shoulder.