A/Prof Tan Thiam Chye, Dr Tan Kim Teng, Adj Assoc Prof Tan Heng Hao and A/Prof John Tee Chee Seng from KK Women's and Children's Hospital share tips on travelling safely during pregnancy.
Tips for traveling when you're pregnant
- Flying is not contraindicated in an uncomplicated pregnancy. You must be well with no abdominal pain or bleeding. Domestic travel is usually permitted until 36 weeks gestation whereas international travel may be curtailed after 32 weeks of pregnancy. This is due to the risk of pre-term delivery.
- Traveling should be done mostly in the second trimester when the pregnant woman is more comfortable and there is a lower risk of miscarriage and pre-term delivery.
- It is important to take precautions for deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs). These include getting a seat with more leg room, interval walking in the aisles or toilet breaks, leg massages or wearing thrombosis deterrent stockings. Prevent dehydration by taking enough fluids orally and avoid alcohol.
- You can consider meningococcal and rabies vaccines if these diseases are endemic in the country you are traveling to. The safety of vaccines for yellow fever, hepatitis A and typhoid has not yet been established in pregnancy.
- Wear your seat belt correctly. The lap belt should go under your belly, across your hips and as high as possible on your thighs. The shoulder strap should go between your breasts and off to the side of your belly. Seat belt straps should fit snugly and never go directly across your tummy. (Figure 15.1)
"The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth", a pregnancy book written by A/Prof Tan Thiam Chye, Dr. Tan Kim Teng, Dr. Tan Heng Hao, A/Prof John Tee Chee Seng.
KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), a member of the
SingHealth group. * Available at all major book stores and Pharmacy in KKH.
See previous page for
tips on keeping safe around pets during pregnancy.
See next page to find out if
electronics and x-rays are safe for pregnancy.
Ref: X08
