Happy Journey! But wait...Are you prepared?

Avoid travelling by 2 or 3 wheeler if you can. If you have to travel then avoid a bumpy ride. After all, prevention is better than cure.

You can travel by car when you're pregnant, but you will need plenty of stops for the toilet and to stretch your legs. Also, congested, unruly traffic, bumpy and pot-holed roads and lack of basic amenities on the road (such as hygienic public toilets and eating joints) car travel may be uncomfortable and stressful for many. Conditions get particularly bad during the monsoon season when the roads are slushy and many a times flooded at places. And, in case of an accident or any other emergency, you may not be able to get timely medical assistance.

However, many women travel by car without any problems (conditions apply). Cars are less vulnerable than two-wheelers or a bus where you have complete control of your vehicle and your travel schedule.

Some tips for a comfortable road travelling:

Before you leave re-confirm your bookings as well as the route by checking it on google maps, google weather.

Sitting anywhere for long periods of time can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. So, if you are driving, take a break from driving at least every 90 minutes, although you may need to stop even more often for the toilet! Travelling alone on long routes is not advisable though.

To prevent cramps, find somewhere safe to walk around and do some simple stretches. If you're sitting or standing, extend your leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. When you're sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes too. You don't need a waistband or tight blouse digging in when you're travelling. Be practical and think of your comfort first.Travel light and try not to overload your car with luggage.

If sitting in the car gives you backache, try putting a cushion, foam wedge or rolled up sweater in the small of your back.

Make sure you have plenty of “Healthy Snacks” and drinks with you on the journey. Some good options are fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples (seb), carrots (gajjar), bananas, oranges (santara), dried fruits, nuts, murmure or stuffed paranthas and sandwiches.

If you do need to eat out, it's best to stick to foods that are thoroughly cooked, especially if you're eating at roadside dhaabas or motels. In general, it's wise to avoid raw foods such as salads and meats. Opt for packaged or bottled water and stay away from fresh fruit juices or lassi served by roadside vendors.

As your pregnancy progresses and your bump gets bigger, you may prefer to let someone else drive. Your bump can get uncomfortably close to the steering wheel and you may find driving too much like hard work. 

But if you plan to travel for more than 10 hours, it may be a better idea to travel by train or take a plane if the destination has a connection.

When you're pregnant, the safest time to travel is during your second trimester (18 to 24 weeks), when your risks for miscarriage and preterm labor are lowest.  Some airlines do not allow women more than 35 weeks pregnant to fly. Carry written documentation of your due date when traveling.

Tricky question - Should I wear a seat belt now that I'm pregnant?

You should always wear a seat belt when you're travelling in a car, whether you're pregnant or not. It's something we all who sit in the front seats have to do by law. However, it is strongly advised to wear a seat belt even if you're sitting in the back seat. If you wear the belt correctly, it will help protect you and your baby from harm in the event of an accident or if the car has to stop suddenly.

If you are in a collision, your seat belt will help restrain your upper chest and keep you away from the steering wheel. The airbag helps spread out the force of the crash, acting as an instant cushion for you and your bump.

What should I do if I have a car accident?

In severe accidents, of course, you'll be taken straight to hospital. If you can speak, immediately tell your rescuer you are pregnant, particularly if you're in the earlier stages of pregnancy and your bump isn't obvious yet.

Do mention if you have a rhesus negative blood group, so that the attending doctors are aware and can treat you accordingly.

NOTE: Your body will do a good job of protecting your baby and the placenta from sudden impact. But even if you feel fine afterwards and the accident seems minor, it's best to get checked out by a doctor just to be safe. A forceful jolt can cause the placenta to separate partially from your uterus (womb), without you necessarily noticing any symptoms.

If you have contractions, pain or bleeding after an accident, see a doctor as soon as possible.



What other precautions should I take when travelling by car?

If you have a long day's travel planned, try to leave early in the morning to reach your destination during the day.

Check the news to ensure that there is no unrest or unnecessary traffic diversions in the route you are planning to take.

Ensure that you keep the vehicle registration and insurance documents as well as the driver's license handy.

Keep your medical file and emergency contact information with you at all times.

Always carry your mobile phone and ensure that it is fully charged and with adequate amount of balance, so that you can call your family in case of any emergency. Some people find that mobile car chargers and an extra phone or SIM are an excellent investment for road trips.

Don't talk on your mobile and drive at the same time. Besides being a traffic violation, it can affect your driving skills. Don't send text messages while you drive either.

Make sure your car is serviced regularly and ensure you get enough fuel before you start your journey.

Keep a supply of warm clothes, a torch, some money and some snacks in your car, just in case. Always carry some extra water for yourself and some for the car radiator.

* * * 

Your health and safety is in your hands. Take care of your self, no one else can be as careful as you could be during this period about you. Your happiness, dreams and celebrations are in your control.

So, Take Care! Stay Safe!

See your Doctor if you have any questions or queries, DO NOT HESITATE, even if you think your questions might seem silly to someone else. ASK - Get the Answers! Stay relaxed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nabat