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Air travel while pregnant (and car)

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Be careful where you go!

Be careful where you go!

Even when you are pregnant life just goes on doesn’t it? Travel can be such a fun thing but sometimes we don’t have much choice. Now you are look a little worried. Let’s check our main options…

Air travel is a big concern. Lets look at it. Obviously you don’t want to travel too late and risk your waters breaking on the flight! Ouch… This sort of thing actually happens. This is why airlines have rules in place, although they usually operate on the honor system and rely on you being truthful :-).
The airlines may want to know your due date, especially for your return flight. Don’t risk flying if you are due in a week or less. It is wise to ask your doctor for a ‘permission to travel letter’ within 72 hrs of your flight.

Some air tips include

  • be wary of any drugs and medicines
  • getting an aisle seat, so trips to the bathroom are easier
  • wear your seat-belt low and under, rather than across your belly
  • be aware of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and remember to stretch your legs and exercise somewhat
  • minimize walking in the aisles as turbulence can knock you over
  • drink plenty of fluids
  • check the terms on your travel insurance
  • avoid travel to developing nations - too many problems with this
  • take a medical kit and discuss the contents with your doctor; you should include-
    • constipation thrush and hemorrhoids treatments
    • hydration suppies
    • good multivitamins
    • urine dipsticks for measuring glucose

Car travel
You should always wear the seat belt snugly, without slack, but still comfortably as you can. The belt should be fitted underneath your belly, as low as possible and the upper strap should be worn comfortably across the body.
Some women worry about air bags. There seems to be little evidence that they cause harm to baby in the womb. The advice however is to move the front seat as far back as practical.

Remember to drink fluids and have plenty of stops.
Take care and good luck with your travel my lovelies!

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Diet, foods to avoid

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

You!  Dont even think about it

Well ladies, lets forget about all that damned freedom shall we! Pregnancy has more rules than a stimulus package. OK lets kick off the Spanish inquisition.
Fun! NOOOOOOOOOOooooo, lets deal with the good things you will miss if you are anything like me.

  • Alcohol although lets not get totally carried away, my Mum had the odd wine carrying me and I turned out a fat little baby. However if you are tipsy the baby is probably unconscious (as it is smaller) Avoid.
  • Coffee, Caffeine, Energy Drinks, this includes Redbull. Caffeine has been linked to miscarriage, birth defects and SIDS,
  • Artificial Sweeteners You are going to have to read the label here. They are found in soft drinks, deserts, chewing gum and lollies. Avoid completely.
  • Fish and Seafood Opinion varies a little here but my advice is to avoid it. Omega3 are excellent for the baby so I would consider supplements for this. If you are really determined to eat some fish research the possible mercury content and ensure it’s well cooked. Especially avoid sushi and sashimi.
  • Chamomile and other herbal teas can have harmful effects on the baby
  • Peanuts Eating these is thought to possibly make baby allergic, best to avoid
  • Raw or undercooked meat Enough said.
  • Soft cheeses, goats Cheeses, unpasturized milks or cheeses It hurts me to include camembert brie and blue veined.
  • Liver No Pate for you. Vitamin A can be especially dangerous.
  • Honey Actually its quite OK. But don’t feed it to the baby later as there is a small risk of infant botulism
  • Deli Foods These are problematic because of listeria bacteria.
    Processed and sliced meats salami, smoked meats are a NO NO. Skip any foods served from open containers.
  • Pre-prepared salads Eat fresh and make your own
  • Uncooked eggs such as found in hollandaise sauce. Avoid.

Ok thats a big list.. I warned you your civil liberties would be grossly infringed :-)
Eat carefully comrades.
{+}
Cheers

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