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Expecting mothers with normal pregnancy are not prevented from travelling by airplane, train, four-wheelers, but they need to be cautious, says an expert. 'Pregnant women can travel as long as they feel comfortable and everything is normal. Four-wheelers are safer than two-wheelers or autos. Two-wheelers are poorly balanced and can even give backache.
'The same goes for autos, so they should request the driver to drive slowly if they choose to opt for these transports,' gynecologist Mugdha Raut, managing director of Dr.Raut's Women's Hospital, Mumbai, told IANS. If expecting mothers opt to fly from one city to another, they must carry their medical record and be cautious too. (Read: Common mistakes woman make during pregnancy)
'They shouldn't travel for long distance. If they do, drink water regularly to avoid dehydration. Take walk after every one hour and consume baby aspirin to prevent clot in legs,' she said. Most passengers get lured by food available at railway stations, Raut says women who are expecting should avoid them. 'Avoid eating outside food and also carry your own water. If you choose to buy mineral water, make sure it is sealed,' she said. (Read: 7 common pregnancy complaints and how to dodge them)
Why pregnancy is no excuse for avoiding road trips?
While most advice is sound, not all of it is relevant to this day and age. One of the most common myths is that a mother-to-be should not travel. While long journeys can definitely be tedious and is likely to harm you and baby, drives around the city for fairly short distances can prove to be a much needed break, allowing you to feel refreshed and less like a caged animal. So here are some essential safety tips for mothers-to-be while they travel by road.
Get in and out of the car with care: While getting in and out of a car is probably something we take for granted, for a pregnant woman it can be quite a task. During long drives you will need to get in and out of the car often, here is how it can be done safely and easily:
Getting in: Bend a little and sit on the seat of the car first. Next lean back a little and raise your legs into the car.
Getting out: Turn in your seat and place one leg out. Ensure that you are stable. Then lean backwards and place the other leg out. Now with the support of the car door or someone standing get up, and out of the car. These methods will help reduce the amount of pressure placed on her tummy as well as on her back. Read more about 14 reasons why pregnancy is no excuse for avoiding road trips
Here are some tips on safe air travel for pregnant women
Expecting mothers with no identified complications or concerns with pregnancy can travel by airplane without any worries but with caution, says an expert.
Rita Bakshi, Chairperson of the International Fertility Centre, shares tips on how to help yourself to be safe while travelling during pregnancy:
- Stay hydrated: Diarrhoea is a common concern and it can lead to dehydration. So, make sure to drink plenty of water. Read more about Tips on safe air travel for pregnant women
Picture Source: Getty Images
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With inputs from IANS
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