Dr. Shevonda Sherrow, MD, Innovative Women’s Health Specialists; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical SocietyQ: I’m in the early stages of my pregnancy. As we near the holidays, we want to make plans to fly to visit family out of state. What do I need to know about traveling while pregnant?
A: Traveling while you are pregnant sounds scary, but it doesn’t need to be. The second trimester is a great time to travel – you should be over morning sickness but not yet close to giving birth. The first thing you should do is talk with your doctor to make sure you have no issues that could arise while traveling.
Ask for assistance at the airport such as letting a Skycap handle your luggage or get a ride to your gate. Once you’re in the air, get up from your seat and walk at least once an hour to prevent blood clots. Elevate your legs by placing them on your carry-on luggage. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and bring some high-protein, fiber-filled snacks with you. Pregnancy can make you more sensitive to motion sickness, but anti-motion-sickness wristbands can help quell nausea without medication.
– Dr. Shevonda Sherrow, MD, Innovative Women’s Health Specialists; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society