Traveling pregnant? Yes, no or maybe?
After the announcement and the joy of the great news, a wave of questions sweeps over the backpack of the adventurer in you. Can you travel pregnant? And until what month of pregnancy is it safe? What if something happens to the baby…
Traveling pregnant is possible, but is it suitable?
We all know that pregnancy is not a disease. Still, everyone experiences and apprehends these 9 months differently! Some experience persistent nausea, some are on fire while others tire quickly. Of course thatit is possible to travel and enjoy these last moments before baby! Just plan ahead an adapted program at your own pace, your form and your desires. There’s no point accumulating flight hours if you suffer from acute sciatica or going on a cruise if you’re prone to nausea. It’s just about don’t overestimate your strengths. Just because your best friend is going halfway around the world pregnant to the teeth doesn’t mean you can too.
On the occasion of my first pregnancy, I was invited to take part in a business trip to Germany. Although I was thrilled to attend this tourism fair, this trip left me exhausted. With low blood pressure and intense fatigue, the program was charge and the evenings far too long for me and my 3 months of pregnancy. Same for the round trip by train to Lübeck with a visit at a run.
Two months later, I organized a weekend in Lille and Bruges. Same feeling, same results. Apart from my condition, I was also frustrated with dragging myself along and disappointed that I was not enjoying my trip.
Traveling pregnant, until which month of pregnancy?
First stage : check the authorization and the maximum number of weeks authorized with the airline. XL Airways accepts up to the 8th month of pregnancy and with a medical certificate less than 7 days from the 7th month. At Emirates, the certificate is required from the 29th week. All this is obviously relative since it all depends on your general state of health. Only your doctor or your gynecologist is authorized to advise you and to give you his agreement.
My second pregnancy (at age 33) was smooth and stress free. I did not know of any significant drop in speed. I felt ready to go long haul trip. In August (with a DPA in early December), I went to Thailand for 3 weeks. I knew this country well, having been there several times. I took local transport (bus, train) and walked normally. Slower, of course, but normally. Of course, I didn’t go so far as to rent a bike to visit all the temples of Sukhothai! I took no unnecessary risks and listened to my body. But I felt that everything was fine and that I was capable of it.
What if something happened there?
If you choose to leave, consider taking a travel insurance which will cover cancellation, medical expenses or repatriation. But first of all, you have to check the contract terms, amount and extent of coverage. It is known that hospital costs are very high in North America and Australia and that additional coverage is necessary. Similarly, you can find out about the quality of care and hospitals on site and stay near a big city. And of course, countries with high health risks and destinations that require vaccines or antimalarial treatment should be avoided.
The main thing is to feel serene at home or elsewhere. Your stress, your doubts and your worries will not allow you to have a good time. And it will also have an impact on your baby. So think of yourself and make the best choice for your health and that of your child.
