Traveling is tough in COVID times. It’s even more difficult if you are pregnant.
Becoming a mother is profound. In COVID times, it just got more tricky. With restrictions lifting everywhere, everyone has the “travel bug “calling out to them. This COVID 19 travel guide ,will help everyone but a few specifics are for moms-to-be.
Keeping healthy and happy both need work. Being cooped up indoors is taking its toll on all of us. If you have travel planned or some emergency requires you to travel, this post will help you.
Have a budget, plan where you want to go,this is important for safety.
The questions this post will answer
First up, talk to your Obstetrician before making any travel decision. Every pregnancy is different, and you are unique. Your doctor knows best about your condition. Second-trimester(14-28 weeks) travel to a nearby location or a short weekend staycation is something you can plan if it’s a change of scenery that you are looking for. Go for an antenatal checkup before planning a trip; that way, you can take the doctor’s opinion and have peace of mind too.
First trimester travel is risky since most micarriage happen during that time.
Third-trimester travel is often uncomfortable when backaches, bathroom breaks, risk of Deep vein thrombosis, and preterm labor all adding to the worry. Any trip more than four hours long can be a problem, during pregnancy, even at the best of times.
When is travel strictly avoided?
It depends on the medical condition of the mom-to-be. But the following are common medical reasons for avoiding travel.
- When there’s a risk of miscarriage
- Twin/multiple pregnancies
- History of vaginal bleeding
- Cervical incompetence
- Placental problems
- Preeclampsia in this or previous pregnancy
- High blood pressure during last or present pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes in this or previous pregnancy, history of preterm labor in a previous pregnancy, or history of ectopic pregnancy in a previous pregnancy
- Precious pregnancy
What should you avoid while traveling?
While unnecessary travel is not recommended for anyone, it is even more important for pregnant women and kids.
- Avoid unplanned trips
- Avoid trips with very small kids who can’t wear masks.
- Avoid international travel
- Avoid long-distance journeys(longer than four hours) even in India.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Avoid travel if you have any history of complications in a previous pregnancy or any risk factors in the current one.
Wherever you go, the market, shopping mall, your relative’s home, or a staycation, remember to wear a mask (N95 will be best ), wash your hands, use a sanitizer, and maintain social distance.
The Where
Sea beach, mountains, or the forests anywhere in India, you will be spoilt for choice. The only real limitation is how much you can search and plan.Sea beach: Mandarmoni, Puri, Goa, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry.
A few tips for the second option include Darjeeling, Kurseong. Kalimpong, Dharamshala, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Shimla, Nainital, Manali, Pahalgam.
What kind of hotel?
The best-case scenario is a weekend rental home at the seaside. Fresh air good food and exercise, all in one place.Holiday rentals with housekeeping options and a kitchenette will be perfect for a few days by the beach. If Holiday homes are steep or not available, look for boutique hotels in offbeat locations.
Tea gardens have quaint resorts ,which give luxury experiences and personalized service.Since these places don’t have many rooms,crowds are uncommon.
The Tumsong resort in Darjeeling or the Cedar Inn Hotel is both lovely properties. Divine Hima in Dharamshala, Ri Kynjai at Shillong and The Polo hotel at Cherrapunji, The Dona Sylvia Novotel at Goa, The Grand Dragon at Leh Ladakh, or the Taj Visakhapatnam are all properties that take excellent care of their guests.
Look for rooms that do not share ventilatory systems and have separate A/C or heating units. Centralized heating, air conditioning system is best avoided.
Precautions to take while traveling in COVID times
- While traveling in trains, keep your mask on. You will have to carry your own bedding too.
- Avoid touching heavy use structures, doorknobs, window panes without spraying a surface sanitizer. You can also use a disinfectant wipe to touch them or clean them.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating.
- Ingesting sanitizer, which stays on your hands with every meal, is terrible. When you smear your hands with sanitizer, let the hand dry for at least twenty seconds for it to be effective.
- While traveling, don’t touch your face, mouth, eyes.
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But how will you eat while traveling and at hotels?
Now while traveling, carrying quick snacks works best due to the current situation. In any case, avoid crowds while taking off your mask for eating.
In hotels, order room service or eat at outdoor restaurants, poolside, and terrace where tables are kept six to 10 feet apart. Avoid sitting in air-conditioned indoor dining areas.
I prefer standing while eating outdoors. That way, I can increase the distance from other people quickly. Sounds strange writing this down, but we live in unique times.
Having a small kitchenette in the room can be a big help if you have special dietary needs. Try to avoid street food as travelers’ diarrhea can be a problem. In any case, don’t take over the counter drugs for any problem as that may affect the unborn child. Avoid overly spicy, salty, oily food as it can aggravate morning sickness and cause bloating. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and the right type of protein. Don’t forget to take your supplements.
What you must carry while traveling?
- Must carry several masks
- Gloves
- Sanitizer
- Antiseptic wipes
- Soap
- Snacks water
- Your Antenatal medical records and supplements
- Your health insurance and your Doctor’s number on speed dial
Takeaway:
You have to remember 5 things-
- Talk to you your doctor before you plan your travel.
- Wear your mask.
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Maintain social distancing.
- In case you face any trouble, go to the nearest Government Medical facility.