Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : November 12, 2014 1:42 PM IST
Being pregnant brings with it a number of challenges working during pregnancy, changes in food habits and not to mention dress sizes and the hormones! But even though pregnancy is supposed to be one of the most natural things to happen to a woman, there are a number of 'well wishers' who will tell you not to do certain things as it might harm the baby.
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.
Where you sit makes all the difference: A pregnant woman often needs to lean back a bit more than other people. This is because leaning forward can exert pressure on your belly, bladder and chest. This can make you feel uneasy and in some case breathless. Ensure that you are sitting on a seat that has a back that can be adjusted it may be the front seat or back seat. It is also important to have back support at all times. Place a pillow or cushion behind your lower back. This will help you feel more at ease and avoid backaches associated with pregnancy and long travels. Here are simple tips and tricks to survive common pregnancy problems.
Always be safe: Seatbelts are probably the most important factor when it comes to driving. During pregnancy, how you wear it is essential. It is important to ensure that the shoulder straps should pass over the shoulders and in between your breasts. The lower belt should be around or below the belly. This method ensures that in the case of a sudden jerk the your belly does not get compressed.
Windows down, at first: When you get into the car for the first time in the day, do not immediately start the air conditioning. Closed cars tend to trap various gasses that are very damaging to an unborn child. Open all the windows for the first few minutes of the drive, allowing all the harmful gasses to escape. You can roll up the windows after a few minutes. This helps air out the car and reduces the amount of harmful gasses inhaled. Here are eight things in the environment that can harm your fetus.
Keep car perfumes at bay: Car perfumes are very bad for unborn babies. Studies have shown that they can lead to a number of congenital defects. If you do need to air out or change the smell within the car's cabin, open the windows. This is natural and will get rid of any odour within the car.
Bumpy roads ahead, drive slow: While driving on bumpy or pothole ridden roads, be extremely careful to maneuver the car such that you avoid as many potholes as possible. If they are inevitable, slow down the car, ease in and ease out of the pothole. This is important because sudden jerks are very bad for the lady and the unborn child.
Speed is essential: Make sure you drive at a steady and fairly slow speed. Since pregnant women tend to suffer from motion sickness, a steady and slow speed is the best way to avoid any complications.
Take regular breaks: During pregnancy, you are likely to feel uncomfortable sitting for a long time. Moreover, pregnant women are more prone to swelling and varicose veins in the legs, so stopping and taking a break every ninety minutes is a good idea. During a break get out of the car and walk for small distances.
Simple things can prove beneficial: Since pregnant women are more likely to develop blood clots in their feet and hands, walk and stretch out your legs during breaks. Stand and stretch out one foot. Point your toes downwards then upwards. This will stretch your calf muscles and give you some relief from oedema and aching feet.
A car kit is essential: Because of the changes happening in your body during pregnancy, you are likely to feel more thirsty, and crave for certain foods. Therefore it is always best to be prepared. A car kit with all the essentials is a must. You should carry a bottle of drinking water, a healthy snack (preferably something with a low salt content), a bag for vomiting (in case you suffers from motion sickness), wet wipes or baby wipes, prenatal vitamins and anything else you may need. Read about 10 superfoods that every pregnant woman should eat.
Shoes are important: While pregnant women should ideally wear comfortable footwear. Flat shoes are the best since they are comfy and are easy on swollen feet and help support your back. Unlike heels, flats afford a greater range of free movement and reduces the risk of tripping or twisting your ankle. But at the end of the day being comfortable is what is important. If you are used to heels and they make you feel good, go right ahead!
Simpler the better: Loose fitting clothes are the best while travelling. Tight clothes only enhance this risk of developing clots. Another factor is that during pregnancy you will usually need to use the ladies room more than normal. The clothes you choose should allow for this eventuality. Here is an ultimate diet guide for all pregnant women to follow and help her eat right.
Be prepared for emergencies: As they say better safe than sorry. It is always best that you have your medical papers, emergency numbers of the region you are travelling to, your gynaecologist's number and any emergency medication that you might need. Remember that in case of an emergency contact the your doctor as soon as possible, so that he/she will be able to guide the treating physician on the site of the emergency. You may not always be able to reach your doctor in such a situation so being prepared is a good idea. Here are six signs of preterm labour that you should be aware about.
Pregnancy need not be a time of total confinement, in fact moving around and getting some much needed freedom from stress is great for you and your baby. That being said, it is always best to take a doctors advice before venturing out.
Pictures courtesy Oncars.in
