Traveling Pregnant
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! Except when your ankles are swollen, you have to pee every 30 minutes and you have the prospect of sitting in a car or plane for a long time to spend the holidays with the ones you love. The goal is to enjoy this time and not be miserable in your body.
Traveling pregnant is a whole new experience but it can be improved by throwing a few things into your bag:
Water bottle - Give yourself a Christmas gift early and buy yourself a water bottle that you love. I understand that drinking more may result in increased urinary frequency but it will improve your soreness and swelling tremendously. If you are flying, I recommend taking an empty water bottle through TSA then filling it up before getting on the plane, don’t rely on the airplane to give you 4 oz of water every 2 hours.
Compression Socks - Staying in one location can do a number on your circulation so wearing compression socks can help your blood flow and minimize your swelling. compression socks
Bloomers - Same idea as compression socks just for you core and pelvic floor. You may feel like your pelvic floor is getting uncomfortable sitting for so long, giving it some extra support could help that feeling. If you are flying, consider the amount of walking that will be required at the airport. bloomers
Magnesium Chewable Gummies- for constipation and leg cramps. Our bowels love routine and they get a little upset when we go and change up what we eat, where we go to the bathroom and the time we go to the bathroom. The day of traveling consider what you are eating and maybe try to eat a few things that will keep your bowel regular. magnesium gummies
Massage ball - After sitting in the car or the plane all day you are bound to have some tightness; a massage ball is small and can fit in your purse to release those tight muscles. They can also be useful if you get the pleasure of sleeping on a pull out couch and aren’t feeling the best out of your normal bed and extra pillows. massage balls
Here are also some very simple stretches that could be helpful while you are sitting:
Heel raises - Up and down with your heels will keep your blood pumping and reduce swelling.
Side bending - Try to laterally bend to the right and left stretching out your ribs and abdomen.
Shoulder rolls - Sitting naturally brings our shoulders forward which can create back discomfort. Shoulder rolls in both directions will help keep the back loose.
Hugging Baby - Put your hands on your belly (like the picture above) then as you breathe in allow your belly to expand out and on your exhale pull your belly/ baby up and in, like you are giving your baby a hug. Do 5 breathes at a time. This will help release the tension in your low back.
Towel roll - If you are driving I suggest bringing a small towel and if you are flying you can use a sweater shirt. Whatever you decide to use, having a towel roll that you can place in different areas can help relieve pressure and minimize discomfort. The most common places to put the towel roll are between your shoulders, along the length of your low back, or under one butt cheek. This will help change your position while you are still sitting. Switching your sitting positions every 20-30 minutes can really help muscle soreness and fatigue.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday and that these tips will improve your traveling experience.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me at any time.
Best,
Kyrsten
