Travelling During Pregnancy

Generally speaking, travelling, including air travel during pregnancy is considered safe, as long as you have a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy. It is however still best to consult your health care provider if you intend to travel by air or make long distance road travel. It is also wise to bring with you a written record of your due date and any medical conditions you may have.

Road Travel

  1. Remember to buckle up, even if your car has an airbag. Yes we know that whatever Allah (SWT) wills, will happen, regardless of our actions but belting up is an effort, then you make dua for travel and tawwakal. Don’t just say its destined, whatever will be, will be. That is also wrong in Islam. Strap the lower belt across your lower lap/upper thighs. Run the shoulder strap between your breasts and up over your shoulder, not across your abdomen.
  2. Slide your seat as far back as possible, tilt the back slightly, and ensure distance between the chest and airbag of 25 cm (10 in) or more.
  3. Take bathroom breaks and short walks at least every 2 hours on long trips to increase the blood circulation in the legs, and to reduce bladder pressure. You can also do leg exercises whilst sitting (just keep moving your lower legs).

Air Travel

The safest time to travel is during your second trimester (16 to 28 weeks), when risk for miscarriage or preterm labour is lowest. In the third trimester, its not advisable to travel after 36 weeks.  

Some do’s for air travel:

  1. Check with the airline you are travelling on for guidelines and policies concerning pregnant women; permissions for travelling varies with carrier and according to destination.
  2. Carry documentation, preferably a doctor’s letter, of your due date.
  3. Select your seat carefully. Preferably choose an aisle seat, for more space and comfort.
  4. Buckle up.
  5. Promote circulation. Take occasional walks if possible, or else just flex and extend your ankles as much as possible whilst sitting.
  6. Drink plenty of fluids
  7. Put on thromboembolic deterrent/compression stockings before you board the plane. This will minimise your risk of developing clots in leg and leg, which pregnant woman travelling long haul flights are at increased risk of.
  8. Air travel is not advisable when: you have a high risk pregnancy,placenta related problems, are beyond 36 weeks, or when it’s against the advice of your doctor.

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