Question

travelers with special needs.

1- pregnant women?

Answer 1

AIR TRAVEL AND PREGNANCY

• Discuss any potential risks particular to your pregnancy with your doctor.
• Be aware that air travels in the last six weeks of pregnancy could trigger premature labour
• Check with the airline- some airlines wont allow a woman over 35 weeks to fly at all or they require a doctors note
• Ckeck the fine print of your travek insurance- some policies may not cover pregnancy
• Arrange with the airline for a bulkhead seat or a seat near an exit for extra leg room
• Consider booking an aisle seat- going to the toilet will be a little easier

MEDICAL KIT

Items in medical kit could contain

• Preparations to help you treat common pregnancy complaints such as heartburn, thrush, constipation and haemorrhoids
• Oral rehydration preparations in case of traveller's diarrhoea
• Multivitamins formulated for pregnant women
• Urine dipsticks to check glucose levels

DURING THE FLIGHT

• Wear your seatbelt under your bump and across your lap
• Stretch and move your legs regularly while seated. Consider wearing support stockings for the duration of the flight.
• Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of dehydration.Keeping up your fluid intake will also reduce the risk of DVT
• If the flight is smooth, walk up and down the aisles every half hour
• If the flight has turbulence, stay in your seat, but flex and extend your ankles frequently
• If you are feeling short of breath or light headed, ask one of the flight attendants to give you breathing oxygen

CAR TRAVEL AND PREGNANCY

• Make frequent breaks to stretch your legs and visit the toilet
• Always wear a seatbelt. Fasten the lap sash across your lap and under your bump, fit the shoulder sash above your bumb and between your breasts
• Avoid wearing the lap sash across your bumb as a sudden jolt could cause your placenta to separate from your uterus
• If you are sitting in the front passenger seat, move your seat well back from the dashboard to reduce airbag impact incase of a collision

HEAT AND SUN EXPOSURE AND PREGNANCY

If travelling in hot weather,

• Carry a water bottle with you and drink water frequently
• Stay in the shade or inside during the hottest part of the day
• Protect your skin by wearing loose fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen
• Avoid rushing or overexertion- plan your activities and give yourself plenty of time

TRAVELLER'S DIARRHOEA AND PREGNANCY

• Avoid food buffets, seafood, undercooked meats, soft cheeses and pates
• Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, before preparing food and before eating
• Drink bottled water if you are unsure of the water supply. Use bottled water when brushing your teeth. Make sure that all eating utensils are thoroughly dried after washing
• Avoid ice

MEDICATIONS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

• Avoid taking any over-the-counter medication unless advised by the doctor who knows you are pregnant
• Medications that are commonly used to treat traveller's diarrhoea are dangerous during pregnancy
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid using social or recreational drugs