Guest Author - Kitty Bridges
Whether this is business trip, a family car trip or a flight to a favorite vacation spot, there are several very simple, but nonetheless important tips for the pregnant mom:
1. Wear loose-fitting cotton or some other natural, soft, breathing material in light colors. Stay cool, comfortable and light colors help reflect the sunlight rather than attract it.
2. Stay well hydrated. Sounds like a no-brainer, but take the time to think it through. Drink and have on hand plenty of cool water, limit even the fruit juices that may give quick energy, but their sugar content could have an adverse effect. Limit sodas due to their salt, preservative and caffeine contents as well as their sugar.
3. Take along pillows or other accessories that will help you stay comfortable, especially if you are going to be sitting in one position for an extended period of time. Whether travelling in a car or a plane, you might put a pillow at your lower back for support and to avoid strain and fatigue. A favorite book, a spritz bottle with your favorite scent or a few photographs to keep those at home close to your heart.
4. Don't forget comfortable, roomy shoes or sandals - many pregnant women experience swelling around their ankles and feet at different times during the day. Don't pinch your toes, constrict your foot or use extremely high heels during your pregnancy. The resulting strain on your calves, thighs and back will only add to your discomfort and could have many long-term effects.
5. Plan your route on well-travelled roads or in mid-sized airports. Their importance includes the ability for frequent rest stops to stretch, walk a bit and convenient, available restroom facilities. Never undervalue a quick, refreshing washup with a soft facecloth (kept conveniently in a ziploc inside your purse or briefcase). Mid-sized airports are convenient while not usually overcrowded. Layovers are less frequent in mid-sized airports as well.
6. Take along a few healthy snacks (fruits, vegetables, crackers, etc.) and avoid adding salt to foods, avoid heavily salted foods, fast foods and carbonated soft drinks. Did you know that many canned foods are packed with salt as a preserving agent? When fast food restaurants are a necessary evil on the road, choose a salad or eliminate portions of the bun (on a burger) and lessen condiments when trying to reduce calories, sugar and carbohydrates.
7. Maintain your normal diet, take your vitamins and prescribed medications and keep to your normal meal schedule. For your own body and its everchanging needs, try your best to keep to your schedule even when in a differing time zone, culture or climate. Some adjustment will be obvious, but your body moves to its own beat - listen to it and nurture it.
8. Plan your trip ahead and set a leisurely pace or, at the very least, as easy a route as possible. When travelling by car, take a leisurely pace and stop to freshen up, take a nap or visit an interesting shop you discover along the way. Many hotels will give you a discounted "day" rate if you call ahead and their occupancy is low. Stop in for a nap, a cool shower and revitalize yourself. This is a great idea for a long layover in an airport with a hotel in the airport terminal. Try to buy plane tickets far enough in advance so that a non-stop flight is within your budget.
9. Take along your journal and a baby journal where you can jot down your thoughts, dreams and wishes for your precious little passenger. I keep a journal/diary for myself all the time, but my son really enjoys reading all my thoughts, seeing my (bad) sketches and even my lists of songs, news, etc., that I entered in a journal that I used to write to my unborn child. I put down my love and our excitement about his arrival. There are some journals that have pockets for tiny treasures and you can even add a page for photos to include that very first or second or even third ultrasound shot.
10. Always consult your own physician for prenatal care and advice regarding safe travel during your pregnancy. Each person's pregnancy varies and medical advice should be followed closely during these times.
Relax, Rest, Repeat - ENJOY!!!
