Modern expectant mothers with normal health try to lead an active life in the usual rhythm until birth. Many doctors support this initiative, because a good mood and moderate physical activity have a positive effect on the course of pregnancy. Many ladies in the situation do not refuse vacation or visits to relatives in other cities. Is it possible for pregnant women to travel by train and which mode of transport is the safest?
Travel and pregnancy: an official approach and the opinion of doctors
Air carriers around the world agree that women with a gestational age of more than 36 weeks should refuse to fly. This is an official ban. And, despite personal circumstances, the expectant mother will not be able to buy a plane ticket in the last weeks before childbirth. Is it possible for pregnant women to travel by train, are there similar restrictions on rail carriers? Officially, this issue is not regulated in any way. Train tickets can be bought by an expectant mother who is at any stage of pregnancy. And this means that it is up to the woman herself to decide whether a trip is possible or not. Before buying tickets, be sure to consult your supervisor. Modern experts agree that, during the normal course of pregnancy, train travel is safe for the woman herself and her unborn baby.
Best time to travel
The optimal period of pregnancy for traveling by rail is the second trimester. It was at this time that the risk of complications and a sharp deterioration in well-being was minimized. Some doctors believe that a trip is possible in the first trimester, provided that there are no contraindications and toxicosis. When planning a vacation should take into account climatic and weather factors. For example, if you are traveling south, it is advisable that a trip to the hottest regions occur in the evening, morning and / or night. It is not recommended that expectant mothers expose their bodies to abrupt climate changes. If pregnancy coincides with vacation, it is better to go to a resort to rest, which is similar in climatic conditions to a permanent place of residence. Unacceptable for ladies in position flights "from winter to summer" and vice versa.
Contraindications to train travel during pregnancy
Before purchasing tickets, the expectant mother must always consult with an observing doctor. Whether traveling by train during pregnancy is permissible, the specialist must decide in each case. Refusing a trip is worth it if a woman is not feeling well. Toxicosis, edema, digestive disorders and fatigue - these symptoms are observed in many pregnant women. With such health, even a short commuter train ride will be a real challenge. If a woman has previously had miscarriages, during pregnancy she should be especially careful about her own health. Any travel in this case is extremely undesirable. Absolute contraindications to long trips are: placenta previa and its low location, increased uterine tone. With these conditions, the expectant mother is important peace and a moderate decrease in physical activity.
Travel preparation
On any trip, a pregnant woman should bring an extract from a medical card or the exchange card itself (depending on the period). These documents will be issued and issued by the doctor during the consultation before the trip. A trip to the sea during pregnancy will bring a lot of pleasant emotions and new experiences. And still do not forget to book not only the hotel, but also find out the addresses and phone numbers of local hospitals. In advance, you need to make a list of what you need to take with you on the road. Train tickets should also be purchased in advance. It is most convenient and safe for pregnant women to ride in wagons with berths on the lower shelves. There are some requirements for the comfort of the train itself.
The secrets of choosing tickets for expectant mothers
During pregnancy, you can ride the train, but it is advisable to take care of your own comfort in advance. When booking tickets, pay attention to the class of train. In our country, obsolete wagons without air conditioning and dry closets are still in operation, but this is not the best option for a pregnant woman. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of tickets.
The most comfortable thing is to travel by train in the company of relatives or friends, having bought the entire compartment. If the expectant mother goes on a trip alone, the main condition is to purchase a ticket with a seat on the lower shelf. Long trips during pregnancy by train are inevitably accompanied by constant contact with a large number of strangers. During the purchase of tickets it is impossible to get to know all fellow travelers in advance and make sure of their health. And this is another reason to choose a place in a compartment car. Even a commonplace disease like SARS, transferred during the bearing of a child, can harm the health of the mother and baby. When choosing a reserved seat car, one should consider places of the compartment type, side ones are considered less convenient.
What to take on the road to expectant mother?
The main condition for a long train ride is comfortable clothing. Pick up items for the season from natural fabrics. It is important that the selected wardrobe items are not rubbed anywhere and fit well on the figure. The train must pay special attention to personal hygiene: hand wipes and a bottle of universal antiseptic are essential accessories. If you have to go for more than a day, you can collect accessories for washing and the necessary minimum of cosmetics in a separate cosmetic bag.
During pregnancy, the train ride will be more comfortable if you bring along your pillowcase or even a special inflatable pillow. Separately, you should think about nutrition. A supply of clean drinking water must always be at hand. You can eat at the restaurant car. For snacks, you can take fresh fruits and vegetables, crackers and nuts with you. In a handbag for a pregnant woman, it will also be useful to have a small first-aid kit, its composition makes sense to discuss with an observing obstetrician-gynecologist.
Safe Train Recommendations
It will be useful to think about organizing leisure activities on the train in advance. The best friend of a future mother traveling alone can be an interesting book, magazine or player. In a good company, time usually flies by, but if the road is long, you can take some compact board games with you. Sit comfortably in your seat. Lying and sleeping is more beneficial with feet above your head. If necessary, ask the guide for an extra pillow and / or blanket.
Do not be afraid to seek the help of strangers. Surely there will be someone in your surroundings who can help with your luggage or someone who is ready to close the window in cool weather. You can ride a pregnant train, you just need to maintain at least minimal physical activity. From time to time you can just walk around the car, but do not forget to hold on to the fence! Long-distance trains often stop for 10-20 minutes at large stations. During such parking you can stretch yourself just by walking along the platform.
The benefits of traveling by rail
Trains are often called the safest mode of transport. What is especially pleasant, the cost of train tickets is usually much lower than the offers of air carriers with the same route. It is for this reason that more and more women are interested in whether pregnant women can ride the train. Indeed, most doctors allow their wards to travel by rail in the absence of pronounced contraindications. A train ride will take longer than air travel - this is the only minus of this option. At the same time, rail trips have a lot of advantages.
The train can accommodate in comfort. During the movement of the train, passengers can walk on wagons, use the bathrooms and eat. For women in an interesting position, the train can be considered safer due to the ability to get off at any station in case of unforeseen situations and a sharp deterioration in well-being.
Air travel seems to many to be one of the most comfortable travel options. In fact, the departures of passenger aircraft are sometimes delayed, and flights with transfers can even turn into pitch flour for the future mother. Trains in this regard are much more reliable. Train stations are usually conveniently located, passenger check-in takes a few minutes, and trains are delayed only in unforeseen situations. With the proper preparation and good health of the future mother, the trip along the railway will pass safely and bring only positive emotions. Now you know the answer to the question whether it is possible for pregnant women to travel by train or is it better to choose another option. It remains only to consult with an observing specialist and purchase tickets.