Pregnancy is a delicate phase when a woman needs to take extra precautions. It is all the more important for those who have conceived with assisted techniques such as IVF. These precautions suggested by IVF doctors in Delhi are related to the woman’s lifestyle and activities, in addition to her dietary and nutritional habits. One of the biggest concerns raised by the patients to IVF clinics in Delhi is the safety of travel during pregnancy. Women who have to travel frequently due to career reasons need to be aware of the implications of travel during pregnancy. The key questions here are whether they should travel at all and which modes of travel are the safest.
Pregnancy and Travel: Is it considered safe by IVF doctors in Delhi?
The safety of travel during pregnancy is a subjective matter; something that works for one may not be good enough for someone else. Travel is considered safe for women who have a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. However, there are certain conditions when it is not recommended for expectant mothers:
- Those who a have precious pregnancies, such as one after an IVF treatment are advised against it by IVF clinics in Delhi
- Those carrying multiple pregnancies or having a history of miscarriages should resist traveling.
- Pregnancy complications such as the incompetent cervix and vaginal bleeding make a woman unfit for travel while she is expecting
- The ones with medical conditions such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, respiratory condition, cardiac problem, and recent hemorrhage need to avoid traveling.
- History of pre-eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy and premature labor are advised not to travel during these nine months
Another critical factor that determines the safety of travel during pregnancy is timing. Most gynecologists and IVF doctors in Delhi regard the second trimester as the safest time for traveling. The first trimester is not favorable because most women experience morning sickness, which makes traveling uncomfortable. Also, this is the time when the woman is at high risk of miscarriage. The third trimester is not ideal for travel as this is the time when the pregnant woman feels tired due to the growing pregnancy. Additionally, the risk of premature labor runs high.
A woman should seek medical advice from IVF clinics in Delhi if she has to travel anytime during pregnancy and take certain precautions too. There are specific precautionary guidelines that must be followed for various modes of transit.
Pregnancy and Air Travel
Air travel is generally considered safe for expectant mothers. Most airlines permit travel till the eighth month of pregnancy. Those in their ninth month need to present the permission of their gynecologist to be allowed. Also, the woman should take the following precautions suggested by the IVF doctors in Delhi to have a safe and comfortable trip:
- It is better to take the aisle seat so that stretching and reaching the restroom are easier.
- The woman should be careful while walking through the aisles when in the air as there could be turbulence at any time.
- She should hold the seat back while going to or making her way back from the restroom.
- Walking around periodically would help as it prevents the risk of clot formation. The risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can be curtailed by wearing support stockings.
- She should carry a complete medical kit, with her regular medication along with those for treating travel-related problems such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
- It is important to wear the seatbelt in the right way for a safe take-off and landing. The seatbelt should be worn across the lap, under the bump.
Pregnancy and Surface Travel (by car, bus, or train)
Surface travel too is regarded as safe during pregnancy, unless the pregnancy is complicated or nearing its end. Here are some tips that IVF centers in Delhi give to make the journey safe:
- The woman should use the seat belts every time she rides in a car. It ensures safety for her and the baby in the event of an impact. Similarly, airbags are always to be turned on.
- Traveling by bus is relatively uncomfortable because of the narrow aisles that restrict movement. The expectant mother should try to remain seated while the bus is moving. Using the restroom is a challenge too and she should hold the rails to maintain her balance while in the toilet.
- A train journey is far more comfortable as it offers more space for moving around. Here again, it is important to take precautions while using the restroom.
- Long-distance travel by road should be avoided as it can restrict movement and circulation. The woman should travel for 5-6 hours at the maximum and take frequent breaks in between to stretch around.
Pregnancy and Sea Travel
Although traveling by sea is not considered risky, it can make an expectant mother prone to morning sickness. IVF doctors in Delhi have some precautionary tips for safe sea journey:
- It is essential to talk to the gynecologist and have some sea-sickness prescribed for dealing with travel nausea.
- The woman should check with the shipping agency whether they have a healthcare provider aboard if anything goes wrong during the voyage.
- She should also review the vessel’s route to find out about the port-of-calls where medical help would be accessible.
In addition to these specific measures, some general precautions are suggested by IVF doctors in Delhi. These include drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, eating hygienic and healthy food and wearing comfortable clothes. Alcohol, smoking, recreational drugs, and over-the-counter medications should be avoided. In case of international travel, immunizations need to be discussed with the IVF clinics in Delhi. The woman should always consult her gynecologist before she takes up travel in any form during pregnancy. The risks and benefits are to be weighed thoroughly to ensure that it is totally safe for the mother and the baby.
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