At some point, every pregnant woman wonders if it is safe to travel. The
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) suggests that the
best time to travel is between the 14th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, or
the second trimester. The mother-to-be is usually over her morning
sickness and tiredness by then. It is also the time during the pregnancy
when complications are least likely to occur. However, it is possible
to be safe while traveling during the 34th week of pregnancy.
Significance
Traveling
at week 34 and beyond is especially risky because it is very close to
the mother’s due date--only six weeks away. Complications like preterm
labor are likely to occur at this time. In addition, labor and delivery
can occur while on the road, over the water or in the air. Without the
proper professionals and facilities nearby, the infant and mother can
suffer serious complications.
Complications
On
trips of more than four hours, a pregnant woman can suffer a condition
called deep vein thrombosis from being seated too long, according to the
ACOG. In this condition, a blood clot forms in the veins of the body,
most commonly in the legs. The clot can quickly move to the lungs in a
potentially fatal condition known as pulmonary embolism. A preterm labor
can result in a delivery in unsanitary, ill-equipped conditions. In
addition, the delivery could come with complications like breach or
another abnormal positioning of the baby, fetal distress (lack of oxygen
to the baby), prolapsed cord (umbilical cord is delivered before the
baby), hemorrhaging and infection. All of these require medical
intervention, which might not be readily available when traveling.
Misconceptions
There
are a few myths about traveling during the third trimester. It has been
said that the cabin pressure and/or radiation emitted by a plane can
harm the mother and fetus. This is not true: A healthy mother in a
healthy pregnancy is unaffected by both. Another flying myth is that it
is against the law to fly in the third trimester. While some airlines
have enacted policies prohibiting pregnant women from boarding in their
last month of pregnancy, these rules are voluntary. There also is no law
requiring a woman in her last trimester to have a note from her doctor
while traveling by any mode of transportation.
Warning
Women
with gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, a tendency toward blood
clots, or those carrying multiple fetuses should not travel in their
34th week of pregnancy unless their obstetrician allows it. Such
pregnancies are considered high risk. The obstetrician might suspend
travel for these women for the entire third trimester.
Prevention/Solution
To
prevent complications that can arise while traveling during your 34th
week of pregnancy, plan your trip with the help of your obstetrician.
Know where the nearest medical facilities are located all along your
route. Use a seat and follow all other safety rules of flying, driving,
boating and train travel. Pack ob/gyn-approved remedies for what the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention calls common pregnancy
discomforts, including constipation, hemorrhoids, indigestion and
heartburn. The CDC also suggests that a pregnant woman travel with at
least one adult companion to help in case of an emergency.
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