Traveling While Pregnant? Don't Forget Your Maternity Support Belt
Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite trips. On the contrary, a relaxing holiday at the beach or a visit to relatives will be a great way to recharge before the baby arrives. However, traveling during pregnancy will come with many difficulties, from fatigue, back pain, to feeling heavy when sitting for a long time or walking a lot.
Therefore, don't forget to bring the great 'companion' of pregnant mothers on every trip – a maternity support belt. The pregnancy support belt will help reduce discomfort and enjoy the journey more fully. Let's find out the secret to maintaining posture, reducing pain, and being more comfortable when traveling!
Photo by Eva Darron on Unsplash
When to Travel in Pregnancy and When to Avoid Traveling?
First, you need to understand when it is safe to travel and when it is not. The National Health Service (NHS) says the safest time for pregnant women to travel is the second trimester, around weeks 14 to 28. This is the time when the fetus has begun to develop more strongly, the pregnancy is gradually stable, and the risk of miscarriage or premature labor is low.
On the contrary, you should limit travel during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. In the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage is often quite high, so you should limit traveling too much or too far. In the final stage of pregnancy, around week 36, you should not travel because you may go into premature labor. Some airlines have policies that restrict pregnant women from flying after the 36th week for safety reasons, such as British Airways.
In addition, if you have any complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you may not be able to travel. Avoid travel destinations with a high risk of diseases such as malaria or the Zika virus to protect the health of both mother and baby. You should consult your doctor before planning a trip.
Why Pregnancy Support Matters During Travel?
Prolonged travel, whether it's sitting in a car or on a plane for hours, or walking long distances, can put significant strain on a pregnant body. Expectant mothers may face several issues while traveling, such as:
Tailbone pain with pregnancy or lower back pain from sitting too long, or changes in body alignment that place extra pressure on the hips.
Muscle fatigue, leg pain, and swollen ankles are due to poor circulation from prolonged sitting.
Poor posture can increase overall fatigue and discomfort.
Surely, you don't want your entire trip to be ruined by exhaustion or physical discomfort, right? That's why it's essential to pack the right pregnancy support gear to make your journey more comfortable.
One of the essential pregnancy support items that you should bring when traveling is a maternity belt. The belly support belt will help support the pregnant belly and redistribute body weight, reducing pain when sitting for a long time in a car, plane, or walking a lot.
The maternity belt also provides support for the spine and tailbone, and this enables pregnant mothers to sit or walk comfortably and securely throughout the process. Other than the maternity belt, you can also prepare compression stockings to prevent swelling of the legs or a coccyx cushion to ease tailbone pain during pregnancy.
What to Look for in a Travel-Friendly Maternity Support Belt
Pregnancy support belts bring many practical benefits to pregnant women when traveling, especially on long trips or when moving a lot. To choose a quality support belt, you need to consider the following criteria.
Size
You should choose maternity belts that come in a variety of sizes or can be adjusted to fit your body. You can refer to the brand's size chart to choose the right belt for you.
Material
Pregnant women should choose belts that are soft and breathable for more comfort when using. Make sure the material can stretch to the shape of the pregnant belly, but still provide a certain support.
Support
Maternity belts are usually divided into 2 types, one type has only a fabric waistband below, and one type has an additional strap above the pregnant belly for additional support. Depending on your preference, you can choose the appropriate belt. In addition, there is a pregnancy support belt for postpartum mothers, which helps stabilize and support to reduce back pain after a C-section.
Other Pregnancy Support Tips for Comfortable Travel
In addition to the maternity belt, you can prepare some useful items to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Don't forget to save the following tips to have a great trip.
Bring a small pillow or cushion to support the tailbone area
The most common discomfort that any pregnant woman experiences when traveling is tailbone pain. So, prepare a small pillow or coccyx cushion to support the tailbone, reduce pain and discomfort.
Drink enough water and exercise gently every 1-2 hours
Lack of water can make pregnant women more tired, so make sure to drink enough water. And don't forget to exercise gently every 1-2 hours. You should also prepare some snacks to avoid hunger while traveling. Furthermore, sitting for too long can cause muscle fatigue and swollen legs. Walking or gentle exercise will help stimulate better blood circulation, limiting leg swelling.
Choose the right travel destination
If you intend to travel abroad, make sure you have full travel and hospital insurance to receive emergency care if necessary. Limit your travel to areas with limited medical care or dangerous epidemics, such as malaria or the Zika virus. In addition, choose a location with suitable weather to ensure better health.
Wear loose clothing and use compression stockings to support blood circulation
Choose comfortable, soft clothing to avoid discomfort when sitting in a car or plane for hours. In addition, you should prepare compression stockings to support better blood circulation.
Plan a reasonable rest and avoid moving continuously, or traveling too long
Last but not least, create a reasonable travel plan. You should schedule a rest, avoid moving continuously, or traveling too long to avoid fatigue. Listen to your body to adjust your schedule accordingly.
Wrap Up
Traveling while pregnant does not have to mean enduring fatigue and discomfort. Appropriate preparation and pregnancy support accessories, especially an optimally fitted maternity belt, enable you to travel safely and comfortably. Listen to your body, rest if necessary, and don't hesitate to spend money on accessories that foster your well-being throughout the trip. Relax and have a beautiful trip!
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