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Is It Safe To Travel At 35th Week Of Pregnancy?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Feb 2013
Question: Hello Doctor, im seeing this information formy wife who is 31st week of pregnancy now. We are planning to go our native (12 hrs of Train Journey) 35th week. Is there anything to be followed during this travel and Is it adviceable to travel ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for trusting us with your health query.

Unless absolutely essential and critical, it is not advisable for a pregnant lady to undertake any kind of travel, specially in the first three months and in the last trimester.
Air lines require special certification by the treating obstetrician to allow travel beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy.

The rhythmic rocking motion, the steady clickety-clack of the wheels against the tracks, and the landscape unfolding outside your window make trains an especially appealing mode of travel for moms-to-be. Train travel can be one of the safest ways to go — and it can be one of the most comfortable, too.

You'll enjoy greater freedom of movement than in an automobile, bus, or plane. It's easy to walk around and stretch your legs, provided you watch out for unexpected lurches and moving floor panels between cars. Since you don't have to worry about negotiating traffic, you can read a book, listen to music, or simply close your eyes and drift away.

Restrooms tend to be numerous (usually one per car) if not always superclean or freshly stocked with supplies. Many trains have dining cars or snack bars. Sleeping compartments can seem cramped when you're pregnant, but are usually more comfortable than the alternative in a car, bus, or plane.

However, boarding and getting off trains at busy junctions should be carefully done. Avoid unnecessary strain, lifting weights etc. Given status of Indian train toilets, maintain extra hygienic precautions. Carry fresh, home made food if possible, and avoid eating unpackaged open food items.

If this is the first pregnancy, and your obstetrician cannot see any risk for preterm labour or other complications, then after due permission and examination by her, you may proceed if the trip is necessary. Also, there should not be conditions like twins, malpresentations, placenta previa , hypertension, diabetes etc.


Please ask for a lower XXXXXXX Please extend your legs on the seat or keep it in elevated posture so that you will not have swelling on the leg. Also, keep moving within the compartment so that you can relax a bit.

Also, please remember to keep your medicines handy and contact telephone numbers of your doctor, hospitals en route etc so that in case of emergency you can reach them fast. Reconfirm the departure time for the train before you leave home. Reach the station well in advance of the departure time and platform. This way you don't have to rush through a crowd to find your compartment. This will also help you find some space for your luggage to be stowed away under your seat where it will be easier reach it. If you need to cross a foot-over bridge to get to the platform, you could hire a XXXXXXX (coolie) to carry your luggage.
Carry a chain and lock to secure your luggage so that you don't have to worry about it at night and while visiting the toilet.
Try not to get down at stations unless you are sure there is going to be a long halt.
Do not try to board a running train.
Make sure your mobile is fully charged and your SIM works during the journey. You may want to carry a spare battery for your mobile in case it loses charge through your journey.

Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear like sneakers or flats which make it easier to maintain your balance in a moving train. Watch out for stray shoes, spilt water and food, and pieces of luggage when you're walking.
Loose cotton clothing is best while travelling though you may need to carry a light shawl if the air-conditioning gets too cold for comfort. Overnight journeys in the air conditioned classes usually come equipped with blankets and pillows, but if you are not comfortable using them you can carry your own bedding instead.

Carry enough bottled water so that you don't need to get off the train to buy water. Also, the vendors who sell water on the train may carry cheaper brands which may not XXXXXXX the hygiene and safety standards.

All the best for your journey !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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Is It Safe To Travel At 35th Week Of Pregnancy?

Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for trusting us with your health query.

Unless absolutely essential and critical, it is not advisable for a pregnant lady to undertake any kind of travel, specially in the first three months and in the last trimester.
Air lines require special certification by the treating obstetrician to allow travel beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy.

The rhythmic rocking motion, the steady clickety-clack of the wheels against the tracks, and the landscape unfolding outside your window make trains an especially appealing mode of travel for moms-to-be. Train travel can be one of the safest ways to go — and it can be one of the most comfortable, too.

You'll enjoy greater freedom of movement than in an automobile, bus, or plane. It's easy to walk around and stretch your legs, provided you watch out for unexpected lurches and moving floor panels between cars. Since you don't have to worry about negotiating traffic, you can read a book, listen to music, or simply close your eyes and drift away.

Restrooms tend to be numerous (usually one per car) if not always superclean or freshly stocked with supplies. Many trains have dining cars or snack bars. Sleeping compartments can seem cramped when you're pregnant, but are usually more comfortable than the alternative in a car, bus, or plane.

However, boarding and getting off trains at busy junctions should be carefully done. Avoid unnecessary strain, lifting weights etc. Given status of Indian train toilets, maintain extra hygienic precautions. Carry fresh, home made food if possible, and avoid eating unpackaged open food items.

If this is the first pregnancy, and your obstetrician cannot see any risk for preterm labour or other complications, then after due permission and examination by her, you may proceed if the trip is necessary. Also, there should not be conditions like twins, malpresentations, placenta previa , hypertension, diabetes etc.


Please ask for a lower XXXXXXX Please extend your legs on the seat or keep it in elevated posture so that you will not have swelling on the leg. Also, keep moving within the compartment so that you can relax a bit.

Also, please remember to keep your medicines handy and contact telephone numbers of your doctor, hospitals en route etc so that in case of emergency you can reach them fast. Reconfirm the departure time for the train before you leave home. Reach the station well in advance of the departure time and platform. This way you don't have to rush through a crowd to find your compartment. This will also help you find some space for your luggage to be stowed away under your seat where it will be easier reach it. If you need to cross a foot-over bridge to get to the platform, you could hire a XXXXXXX (coolie) to carry your luggage.
Carry a chain and lock to secure your luggage so that you don't have to worry about it at night and while visiting the toilet.
Try not to get down at stations unless you are sure there is going to be a long halt.
Do not try to board a running train.
Make sure your mobile is fully charged and your SIM works during the journey. You may want to carry a spare battery for your mobile in case it loses charge through your journey.

Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear like sneakers or flats which make it easier to maintain your balance in a moving train. Watch out for stray shoes, spilt water and food, and pieces of luggage when you're walking.
Loose cotton clothing is best while travelling though you may need to carry a light shawl if the air-conditioning gets too cold for comfort. Overnight journeys in the air conditioned classes usually come equipped with blankets and pillows, but if you are not comfortable using them you can carry your own bedding instead.

Carry enough bottled water so that you don't need to get off the train to buy water. Also, the vendors who sell water on the train may carry cheaper brands which may not XXXXXXX the hygiene and safety standards.

All the best for your journey !!